ENGLISH   SYIONYMES 

CLASSIFIED  AND  JlXP^AINED;      . 
PRACTICAL    EXERCISES, 


DESIGNED   FOR 


SCHOOLS  AND  PRIVATE  TUITION. 


G.  F.  GRAHAM, 

iLtmiOR  OF  "  ENGLISH,  OR  THE  ART  OF  COMPOSITION,      '*  HELTS  ', 
ExVGLZSH  GRAMMAR,"  ETC.,  ETC 


t'aci«s  non  ornlnibus  una. 


Nee  diversa  tamen,  qnalem  decet  esse  sororum 

EDITED, 

WITH  AN  INTRODUCTION  AND  ILLUSTRATIVE  AUTHORITIES, 

J'Ci^  ^'    BY  HENRY  REED,  LL.D., 

PROFESSOR  OF  ENGLISH  LITERATURE  IN  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 
PENNSYLVANIA 


NEW-YOKK: 

D.  APPLETON  &  COMPANY,  200  BROADWAY. 

1851. 


Q 


4^3 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1!H8, 

Bv  D.  APPLETON  &  COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  foi  the  Sonthera 
District  of  New  York. 


11 


INTWWCTION 


TO 

THE    AMERICAN    EDITION. 


159/ 


This  treatise  is  republished  and  edited  with  the  hope  that  it  w.U  be  found 
useful  as  a  text-book  in  the  study  of  our  own  language.  As  a  subject  of 
instruction,  the  study  of  the  English  tongue  does  not  receive  that  amount 
of  systematic  attention  which  is  due  to  it,  whether  it  be  combined  or  no 
with  the  study  of  the  Greek  and  Latin.  In  the  usual  courses  of  education, 
it  has  no  larger  scope  than  the  study  of  some  rhetorical  principles  and  prac- 
tice and  of  grammatical  rules,  which,  for  the  most  part,  are  not  adequate  to 
the  composite  character  and  varied  idiom  of  English  speech.  This  is  far 
from  being  enough  to  give  the  needful  knowledge  of  what  is  the  living  lan- 
guage, both  of  our  English  literature  and  of  the  multiform  intercourse — oral 
and  written — of  our  daily  hves.  The  language  deserves  better  CEire  and 
more  sedulous  culture;  it  needs  much  more  to  preserve  its  purity  and  to 
guide  the  progress  of  its  life.  The  young,  instead  of  having  only  such 
familiarity  with  their  native  speech  as  practice  without  method  or  theory 
gives,  should  be  so  taught  and  trained  as  to  acquire  a  habit  of  using  words 
— whether  with  the  voice  or  the  pen — fitly  and  truly,  intelligently  and  con- 
scientiously. 

For  such  training  this  book,  it  is  believed,  will  prove  serviceable.  The 
*  Practical  Exercises,^  attached  to  the  explanations  of  the  words,  are  con- 
veniently prepared  for  the  routine  of  instruction.  The  value  of  a  course  of 
this  kind,  regularly  and  carefully  completed,  will  be  more  than  the  amount 
of  information  gained  respecting  the  words  that  are  explained.  It  will  tend 
to  produce  a  thoughtful  and  accurate  use  of  language,  and  thus  may  be 
acquired,  almost  unconsciously,  that  which  is  not  only  a  critical  but  a  moral 
habit  of  mind — the  habit  of  giving  utterance  to  truth  in  simple,  clea*  and 
precise  terms — of  telling  one's  thoughts  and  feelings  in  words  that  express 
nothing  more  and  nothing  less.  It  is  thus  that  we  may  learn  how  to  escape 
the  evils  of  vagueness,  obscurity  and  perplexity — the  manifold  mischiefs  of 
words  used  thoughtlessly  and  at  random,  or  words  used  in  ignorance  and 
confusion. 


IV  INTRODUCTION    TO 

In  preparing  this  edition,  it  seemed  to  me  that  the  value  and  literary 
interest  of  the  book  might  be  increased  by  the  introduction  of  a  series  of 
illustrative  authorities.  It  is  in  the  addition  of  these  authorities,  contained 
within  brackets  under  each  title,  and  also  of  a  general  index  to  facilitate 
reference,  that  this  edition  differs  from  the  original  edition,  which  in  other 
respects  is  exactly  reprinted.  I  have  confined  my  choice  of  authorities  to 
poetical  quotations,  chiefly  because  it  is  in  poetry  that  language  is  found  in 
its  highest  purity  and  perfection.  The  selections  have  been  made  from 
three  of  the  English  Poets — each  a  great  authority  and  each  belonging  to 
a  different  period,  so  that  in  this  way  some  historical  illustration  of  the 
language  is  given  at  the  same  time.  The  quotations  from  Shakspere  (born 
A.  D.  1564,  died  1616)  may  be  considered  as  illustrating  the  use  of  the  words 
at  the  close  of  the  16th  and  beginning  of  the  17th  century;  those  from 
Milton  (born  1608,  died  1674)  the  succeeding  half  century,  or  middle  of 
the  17th  century;  and  those  from  Wordsworth  (born  1770)  the  contempo- 
rary use  in  the  19th  century. 

In  an  elementary  book  like  this  there  was  no  occasion  to  introduce 
earlier  illustrations  from  the  immature  periods  of  the  language,  and  why 
Shakspere  and  Milton  have  been  chosen  as  important  authorities  it  cannot 
be  necessary  to  explain.  Why  Wordsworth  is  placed  by  the  side  of  them 
may  be  shown  in  the  words  of  another,  which  I  prefer  using  rather  than 
my  own : 

*'  Besides  the  power  of  Wordsworth's  poetry  to  minister  to  a  sense  of  the 
beauty  of  the  world,  both  material  and  spiritual,  there  is  a  further  advan- 
tage in  it,  still  more  directly  connected  with  education.  By  no  such  great 
poet,  besides  Shakspere,  has  the  English  language  been  used  with  equal 
purity,  and  yet  such  flexible  command  of  its  resources.  Spenser  gives  us 
too  many  obsolete  forms,  Milton  too  much  unEnglish  syntax,  to  make  either 
of  them  available  for  the  purpose  of  training  the  young  of  our  country  in 
the  laws,  and  leading  them  to  apprehend  and  revere  the  principles  of  their 
magnificent  language.  But  in  Wordsworth  is  the  English  tongue  seen  al- 
most in  its  perfection ;  its  powers  of  delicate  expression,  its  flexible  idioms, 
its  vast  compass,  the  rich  variety  of  its  rhythms,  being  all  displayed  in  the 
attractive  garb  of  verse,  and  yet  with  a  most  rigorous  conformity  to  the 
laws  of  its  own  syntax.  Those  who  know  how  much  education  must  con- 
cern itself  with  man's  distinctive  organ,  speech,  will  know  also  how  to 
appreciate  such  a  benefit  as  this." — Preface  to  "  Select  Pieces  from  the 
Poems  of  William  Wordsworth"     London  :  1845. 

In  the  quotations  I  have  endeavoured,  whenever  it  was  possible,  to  make 
choice  of  passages  that  might  have  an  interest  as  words  of  wisdom  or  of 
poetic  beauty,  and  often  of  both  combined,  and  I  should  rejoice  to  think 
that  these  fragmentary  specimens  may  allure  the  student  to  the  willing  and 
happy  study  of  the  great  masters  of  English  poetry — to  feed  his  moral  and 
intellectual  being  from  their  pages. 

In  transcribing  the  passages  quoted,  I  have  been  not  seldom  painfully 


THE    AMERICAN    EDITION.  V 

eensible  of  the  wrong  done  by  detaching  them  from  the  context,  especially 
hi  observing  how  the  completeness  of  poetic  effect  is  often  impaired  by  such 
rude  severance.  The  precise  references  which  accompany  the  quotations 
will  render  it  easy  to  restore  them  to  their  connection,  as  may  sometimes  be 
found  desirable.  It  may,  however,  on  the  other  hand,  be  found  that,  so  far 
as  the  excellence  of  style  is  concerned — the  fitness  and  beauty  and  com])i- 
nation  of  the  words — the  fineness  of  the  rhythm  and  the  composition  of  the 
sentence,  we  are  made  to  appreciate  these  things  as  well,  when  we  take  a 
passage  that  is  characterized  by  them  and  consider  it  by  itself.  Look,  for 
example,  at  the  exquisitely  simple  beauty  of  the  words  that  follow,  and  let 
the  music  that  is  made  by  them  be  audibly  heard  or  silently  felt — the  words, 
each  one  of  them,  being  no  more  than  our  common  colloquial  words,  and 
yet  made  expressive  of  a  rich  flow  of  imagery  by  the  admirable  choice  and 
apposition. 

-  0,  hear  me  breathe  my  life 


Before  this  ancient  sir,  who,  it  should  seem, 
Hath  sometime  loved :  I  take  tliy  hand  ;  this  hand 
As  soft  as  dove's  down,  and  as  white  as  it ; 
Or  Ethiopian's  tooth,  or  the  fanned  snow 
That's  bolted  by  the  northern  blasts  twice  o'er. 

Winter^s  Tale,  iv.  3. 

Here  are  words  written  more  than  two  hundred  years  ago  and  yet  now 
as  fresh  as  if  first  uttered  yesterday  ;  and  so  it  is  well-nigh  always  with 
Shakspere's  language,  for  when  a  true  Poet  writes  in  a  matured  language, 
it  is  in  the  unchanging  and  imperishable  part  of  it  that  his  imagination  finds 
its  abiding-place. 

It  is  not  meant  that  during  the  last  two  centuries  the  English  language 
has  been  stationary.  No  living  speech  can  be  unprogressive,  for  the  simple 
reason  that  new  ideas  must  be  expressed  and  new  thoughts  and  feelings 
must  have  utterance.  The  text  of  Shakspere  accordingly  does  not  furnish 
examples  for  all  the  words  in  this  volume,  and  sometimes  it  gives  authority 
only  for  a  different  acceptation.  The  word  *  extravagant,^  for  example,  is 
not  to  be  found  in  Shakspere,  in  that  which  is  at  the  present  day  the  most 
usual  sense  of  the  word,  which  then  had  not  travelled  so  much  away  from 
its  origin.     When  in  Hamlet,  it  is  said,  that 

Whether  in  sea  or  fire,  in  earth  or  air. 
The  extravagant  and  erring  spirit  hies 
To  liis  confine 

the  passage  does  not  exemplify  the  modern  sense  of  the  word,  but  it  throws 
light  upon  it  by  recalling  the  primitive  and  etymological  meaning. 

In  this  respect  the  text  of  Milton  may  serve  an  excellent  use  for  instruc- 
tion in  the  language.  If  his  diction  is  sparing  in  purely  English  idioms,  and 
his  choice  and  combination  of  words  greatly  influenced  by  his  learning  and 
his  deep  love  of  antiquity,  those  very  qualities  will  sei*ve,  especially  in  con- 
nection with  classical  instruction,  to  call  the  student's  thoughts  to  the  deriv- 

a2 


VI  INTRODUCTION    TO 

ative  signification  of  words  from  Greek  and  Latin  sources,  and  what  may 
be  generally  called  the  Norman  as  distinguished  from  the  Saxon  side  of  the 
English  tongue.  Let  the  word  '  recollecting,'  for  instance,  be  observed  in 
these  Hnes: 

-  but  he,  his  wonted  pride 


Soon  recollecting,  with  high  words,  that  bore 
Semblance  of  worth,  not  substance,  gently  raised 
Their  faintinc:  courage,  and  dispelled  their  fears. 

Farad.  Losty  i.  528. 

or,  again,  the  somewhat  curious  use  of  the  word  '  diverV  in  these  lines : 

Alas,  how  simple,  to  these  cates  compared 
Was  that  crude  apple  that  diverted  Eve  ! 

Farad.  Regained,  ii.  349. 

These  cases  may  suggest  how  this  work  can  be  employed  in  the  etymo- 
logical study  of  the  language — a  process  which  brings  with  it  more  good 
than  mere  acquisition.  The  use  of  etymology  in  disciplining  the  youthful 
mind  to  thoughtful  habits  has  been  specially  commended  by  Coleridge,  in 
the  '  Aids  to  Reflection,''  and  it  is  his  remark  that 

"  In  a  language  like  ours,  where  so  many  words  are  derived  from  other 
languages,  there  are  few  modes  of  instruction  more  useful  or  more  amusing 
than  that  of  accustoming  young  people  to  seek  for  the  etymology,  or  pri- 
mary meaning  of  the  words  they  use.  There  are  cases,  in  which  more 
knowledge  of  more  value  may  be  conveyed  by  the  history  of  a  word,  than 
by  the  history  of  a  campaign." 

The  value  of  the  historical  consideration  of  words  may  be  exemplified  by 
one  of  the  titles  in  the  list,  in  this  volume,  '  Bravery — Courage'  The 
word  *  bravery'  has  its  early  and  its  later  use,  and  it  is  in  the  former  that  it 
is  met  with  in  Shakspere  and  Milton.    The  quotation  from  *  Julius  CoBsar  :* 

and  come  down 


With  fearful  bravery,  thinking  by  this  face 
''  To  fasten  in  our  thoughts  that  they  have  courage. 

must  not  be  mistaken  for  an  illustration  of  what  is  now  the  usual  sense  of 
the  word  '  bravery.' 

The  study  of  this  work  may  be  made  to  illustrate  another  important  fact 
in  our  language — the  admirable  copiousness  that  results  from  the  combina- 
tion of  its  Saxon  and  Norman  elements.  The  correspondent  words  from 
these  two  great  sources  are  not  mere  duplicates — to  be  used  indifferently 
and  at  random,  but  each  is  often  delegated  to  a  distinct  duty ;  each  does  its 
own  appropriate  and  peculiar  service  and  shows  some  shade  of  meaning, 
some  special  variation  of  the  sense.  The  words  *  apt'  and  \fit,'  for  exam- 
ple, coming  into  the  language  from  different  sources,  might  be  thought  to 
be  closely  and  strictly  synonymous,  and  yet  a  delicate  distinction  of  use  is 
made  beautifully  apparent  by  the  quotations  from  Shakspere,  Milton  and 
iVordsworth. 

There  is  to  be  observed  another  and  different  process  by  which  the  Ian* 


THE    AMERICAN    EDITION.  Vll 

guage  is  in  some  degree  impoverished,  when  one  of  two  corresponding  or 
equivalent  words  thrusts  the  other  out  of  use,  and  when  this  happens,  the 
Norman  is  usually  the  conqueror.  We  may  be  said  to  have  given  up  the 
good  English  compound  '  to  underbear,'  for  the  Latin-English  word  *  to 
support;'  we  have  well-nigh  lost  the  word,  though  Shakspere  shows  its 
good  use  from  the  lips  of  Constance : 

-  leave  those  woes  alone,  which  I  alone 


Am  bound  to  underbear, 

The  verb  '  to  better'  is  preserved  along  with  *  to  meliorate,'  but  the  coun- 
terpart word  '  to  worsen'  has  been  almost  given  away,  perhaps  for  the  sake 
of  the  three  additional  syllables  that  come  in  with  its  synonym  '  to  dete- 
riorate* 

Another  change  in  the  progress  of  the  language  is  illustrated  under  the 
title  '  to  learn— to  teach.'  The  first  of  these  words  formerly  expressed  not 
only  its  present  sense,  but  was  also  synonymous  with  *  to  teach,'  for  which 
use  good  authority  may  be  cited  from  early  writers  and  from  Shakspere, 
while  modern  practice  stamps  it  as  somewhat  of  a  vulgarism.  The  word 
has  dropped  one  of  its  meanings,  and  being  limited  to  the  other,  there  is  a 
gain  in  point  of  precision.  Not  to  use  Sacred  Writ  irreverently  for  this 
purpose,  an  historical  illustration  of  this  case  has  occurred  to  me  in  two  of 
the  English  versions  of  the  Bible.  In  that  which  is  commonly  called 
•Cranmer's  Bible,'  and  belongs  to  about  the  middle  of  the  16th  century,  a 
passage  in  the  119th  Psalm  is  given  in  these  words: 

"  0  learn  me  true  understanding  and  knowledge  ;  for  I  have  believed  thy  com- 

"^"^BSo?e^i  was  troubled,  I  went  wrong  ;  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word.  Thou 
art  good  and  gracious  ;  O  teach  me  thy  statutes." 

Here  it,  is  seen  both  words  are  used,  s^nd' learn'  employed  in  the  sense  of 
'teach;'  but  in  the  standard  version,  which  belongs  to  the  beginning  of  the 
17th  century,  much  as  the  style  is  controlled  by  adherence  to  the  earlier 
versions,  this  passage  is  changed  by  the  substitution  of  the  word  *  teach'  for 
*  learn :' 
"  Teach  me  good  judgment  and  knowledge  ;  for  I  have  believed  thy  command- 

"  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray ;  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word. 
«  Thou  art  good  and  doest  good  ;  teach  me  thy  statutes." 

The  use  of  this  volume  as  a  text-book  may  be  extended  much  beyond 
the  method  of  instruction  prescribed  in  the  *  Practical  Exercises,'  and  in 
connection  with  it  various  considerations  of  the  character  and  structure  of 
the  language  will  suggest  themselves.  The  synonyms  of  *  intensity,  or  ot 
•active  and  passive'  words,  may  induce  a  more  extended  exammation  of 
words,  which,  while  kindred  in  meaning,  express  many  different  degrees 
and  variations  of  the  meaning.     The  title  ^^  see^look"  is  given  and  e^P- 


Till  INTRODUCTION    TO 

plained,  but  let  it  be  observed  that  these  are  but  two  of  a  large  family  of 
words  connected  with  the  function  of  sight,  which  the  student  might  supply 
and  discriminate  the  several  shades  of  signification.  In  this  way  a  just 
sense  of  the  copiousness  of  the  language  will  be  acquired,  and  the  habit  by 
degrees  gained,  of  accurately  using  and  distinctly  apprehending  words  that 
otherwise  would  bring  only  a  confused  meaning.  In  studying  the  nature 
of  that  copiousness  it  will  be  seen  why  often  there  are  many  names  for  the 
same  object,  or  for  the  same  general  thought  or  feeling,  as  in  Arabic,  there 
are,  it  is  said,  no  less  than  four  hundred  names  for  the  lion.*  The  copious- 
ness of  the  English  tongue  may  be  further  illustrated  by  its  etymology, 
and  a  word  becomes  a  theme  by  the  study  of  its  origin  and  history.  Let 
an  examination,  for  example,  be  made  of  such  words  as  *  trivial^'  *  pagan,* 
*  rusticj'  *  civil/  *  urbane,'  *  courteous,''  &c.,  &c. 

The  teacher,  who  succeeds  in  animating  the  student  with  an  inteiv^&t  in 
the  processes  of  instruction  contained  in  this  volume,  need  be  at  no  loss  to 
find  manifold  opportunities  for  the  study  of  the  language  to  which  this  text- 
book may  serve  as  an  introduction  and  a  help.  Let  judicious  selections  be 
made,  and  studied  with  special  reference  to  the  choice  and  the  combina- 
tion of  the  words.  Single  sentences  or  passages  from  Shakspere,  may 
show  that  wonderful  mastery  of  the  language  which  i^  proved  by  the  im- 
possibility of  substituting  another  for  any  given  word.  Take  that  most 
familiar  passage— Portia's  appeal  to  Shylock,  and  contemplate  not  so  much 
the  tranquil  subhmity  of  the  sentiment  as  the  expression  of  it,  and  there 
will  be  seen  the  purity  and  simplicity  and  beauty  of  English  speech  in  its 
highest  perfection : 

The  quality  of  mercy  is  not  strained  ; 

It  droppeth,  as  the  gentle  rain  from  heaven 

Upon  the  place  beneath :  it  is  twice  blessed  ; 

It  blesseth  him  that  gives,  and  him  that  takes  ; 

'Tis  mightiest  in  the  mightiest ;  it  becomes 

The  throned  monarch  better  than  his  crown  : 

His  scepter  shows  the  force  of  temporal  power , 

The  attribute  to  awe  and  majesty, 

Wherein  doth  sit  the  dread  and  fear  of  kings  , 

But  mercy  is  above  this  sceptered  sway, 

It  is  enthroned  in  the  hearts  of  kings, 

It  is  an  attribute  to  God  himself ; 


•  "Les  Arabes  ont,  dit-on,  quatre  cents  roots  pour  exprimer  le  lion,  tandis  que  noug 
t*en  avons  qu'un,  parce  que  cet  animal,  6tranger  a  nos  climats,  ne  pent  6tre  pour  nous 
lu'un  objet  de  curiosit6  ;  au  lieu  qu'il  est  pour  rhomme  des  deserts  un  ennemi  redou- 
table,  un  sujet  contlnuel  d'aventures  et  de  r6cits,  et  que,  tenant  beaucoup  de  place  dans 
sa  vie,  11  a  du  en  prendre  davantage  dans  sa  langue.  Ainsi,  les  Arabes,  le  consid^rant 
sons  le  rapport  de  sa  taille,  de  sa  force,  de  sa  coulcur,  de  son  port,  de  ses  app6tits,  de 
ses  inclinations,  etc.,  I'ont  nomm6  d'autant  de  uoms  qu'ils  ont  observ6,  ou  qu'ils  lui  ont 
suppos6  de  qualit6s  physiques  ou  instinctives.  C'est  pour  la  mfeme  raisou  que  la 
langue  alleinande  a  un  grand  nbmbre  de  mots  pour  d6signer  un  cheval." 

De  Bonald.    *  Recherches  Philosophigucf,''  torn  Im 

i 


THE    AMERICAN    EDITION. 


» 


And  earthly  power  doth  then  show  likest  God's 
When  mercy  seasons  justice.    Therefore,  Jew, 
Though  justice  be  thy  plea,  consider  this, — 
That,  in  the  course  of  justice,  none  of  us 
Should  see  salvation  :  we  do  pray  for  mercy  ; 
And  that  same  prayer  doth  teach  us  all  to  render 
The  deeds  of  mercy. 

There  can  of  course  be  no  difficulty  in  choosing  passages  in  the  text  of 
Shakspere,  illustrative  in  every  way  of  the  language  and  furnishing  subject 
of  verbal  study,  but  I  will  not  forbear  pointing  out  that  less  familiar  though 
very  remarkable  passage — the  speech  of  Ulysses,  beginning, 

*  Time  hath,  my  lord,  a  wallet  at  his  back,' 

in  the  third  scene  of  the  third  act  of  Troilus  and  Cressida.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary here  to  show  by  actual  quotation  how  passages  from  the  text  of  Milton 
may  also  be  used,  though  this  should  be  only  when  accompanied  with  a 
distinct  knowledge  of  the  nature  of  his  English.  The  text  of  Wordsworth 
may  be  used  to  show  what  is  the  English  of  our  own  day  in* admirable 
purity,  and  the  student  of  the  language  will  feel  it  by  examining  minutely 
and  critically  the  words  in  almost  any  selection  from  his  poems.  For  ex- 
ample, let  the  fitness  and  expressiveness  of  the  words  in  these  stanzas  be 
considered : 

Lives  there  a  man  whose  sole  delights 
Are  trivial  pomp  and  city  noise 
Hardening  a  heart  that  loathes  or  slights 
What  every  natural  heart  enjoys  ? 
Who  never  caught  a  noon-tide  dr^am 
From  murmur  of  a  running  stream  ; 
Could  strip,  for  aught  the  prospect  yields    "^ 
To  him,  their  verdure  from  the  fields  ; 
And  take  the  radiance  from  the  clouds 
In  which  the  sun  his  setting  shrouds. 

A  soul  so  pitiably  forlorn, 
If  such  do  on  this  earth  abide. 
May  season  apathy  with  scorn. 
May  turn  indifference  to  pride  ; 
And  still  be  not  unblest— compared 
With  him  who  grovels,  self-debarred 
From  all  that  lies  within  the  scope 
Of  holy  faith  and  Christian  hope  ; 
Or  shipwrecked,  kindles  on  the  coast 
False  fires,  that  others  may  be  lost. 

*  On  the  Founding  of  Rydal  Chapel.' 

The  study  of  the  English  language  should  be  cultivated  by  means  of 
quotations  from  the  prose  literature  also,  with  the  especial  care  that  no 
author  be  resorted  to,  no  matter  how  brilliant  his  reputation,  unless  he  be 
distinguished  for  the  purity  of  his  language  and  some  of  the  varied  excel- 
lencies of  English  style.     Instruction  may  be  gained  from  the  gorgeoufl 


X  INTRODUCTION    TO 

diction  of  Jeremy  Taylor,  or  the  stately  eloquence  of  Milton's  prose ;  or, 
on  the  other  hand,  from  the  simple  and  idiomatic  strength  of  Swift.  A 
style  combining  in  a  great  measure  these  opposite  qualities  may  be  found  in 
the  speeches  and  writings  of  Burke,  whose  manly  and  statesmanly  phi- 
losophy found  utterance  in  English  that  is  worthy  of  his  high  and  practical 
wisdom.  Let  such  a  passage  as  this  be  set  before  the  student,  to  dwell  on 
the  language  of  it  with  the  verbal  care  that  is  bestowed  on  the  text  of  an 
ancient  author : 

"  Hitherto  the  name  of  poor  (in  the  sense  in  which  it  is  used  to  excite 
compassion)  has  not  been  used  for  those  who  can,  but  for  those  who  cannot 
labour — for  the  sick  and  infirm ;  for  orphan  infancy ;  for  languishing  and 
decrepid  age  :  but  when  we  affect  to  pity  as  poor,  those  who  must  labour  or 
the  world  cannot  exist,  we  are  trifling  with  the  condition  of  mankind.  It  is 
the  common  doom  of  man  that  he  must  eat  his  bread  by  the  sweat  of  his 
brow,  that  is,  by  the  sweat  of  his  body,  or  the  sweat  of  his  mind.  If  this 
toil  was  inflicted  as  a  curse,  it  is  as  might  be  expected  from  the  curses  of 
the  Father  of  all  blessings — it  is  tempered  with  many  alleviations,  many 
comforts.  Every  attempt  to  fly  from  it,  and  to  refuse  the  very  terms  of  our 
existence,  becomes  much  more  truly  a  curse,  and  heavier  pains  and  penal- 
ties fall  upon  those  who  would  elude  the  tasks  which  are  put  upon  them  by 
the  great  Master  Workman  of  the  world,  who  in  his  dealings  with  his  crea- 
tures sympathizes  with  their  weakness,  and  speaking  of  a  creation  wrought 
by  mere  will  out  of  nothing,  speaks  of  six  days  of  labour  and  one  of  rest. 
I  do  not  call  a  healthy  young  man,  cheerful  in  his  mind,  and  vigorous  in 
his  arms,  I  cannot  call  such  a  man,  poor;  I  cannot  pity  my  kind  as  a  kind, 
merely  because  they  are  men.  This  affected  pity  only  tends  to  dissatisfy 
them  with  their  condition,  and  to  teach  them  to  seek  resources  where  no 
resources  are  to  be  found,  in  something  else  than  their  own  industry,  and 
frugality,  and  sobriety." — '  Letters  on  a  Regicide  Peace.^     Let.  IIL 

Our  language,  in  another  of  its  phases,  may  be  studied  in  the  letters  of 
Cowper,  which  are  justly  characterized  as  the  pattern  of  pure  graceful 
idiomatic  English.  The  merit  of  the  style  of  Cowper's  best  biographer — 
Southey — has  also  often  been  acknowledged,  and  it  would  be  easy  to  use 
quotations  from  his  various  and  voluminous  prose  works.  A  passage  in  one 
of  them — his  *  Colloquies' — is  so  appropriate  to  the  subject  of  this  introduc- 
tion, that  I  am  led  to  insert  it  here  : 

"  There  is  another  mischief  arising  out  of  ephemeral  literature,  which 
was  noticed  by  the  same  great  author,  (Ben  Jonson.)  *  Wheresoever  man- 
ners and  fashions  are  corrupted,'  says  he,  <  language  is.  It  imitates  the 
Dublic  riot.  The  excesses  of  feasts  and  apparel  are  the  notes  of  a  sick 
state ;  and  the  wantonness  of  language  of  a  sick  mind.'  This  was  the 
observation  of  a  man  well  versed  in  the  history  of  the  ancients  and  in  their 


THE    AMERICAN    EDITION.  XI 

literature.  The  evil  prevailed  in  his  time  to  a  considerable  degree  ;  but  it 
was  not  permanent,  because  it  proceeded  rather  from  the  affectaticn  of  a 
few  individuals  than  from  any  general  cause.  The  great  poets  were  free 
from  it ;  and  our  prose  writers  then,  and  till  the  end  of  that  century,  were 
preserved,  by  their  sound  studies  and  logical  habits  of  mind,  from  any  of 
those  faults  into  which  men  fall  who  write  loosely  because  they  think 
loosely.  The  pedantry  of  3ne  class  and  the  colloquial  vulgarity  of  another 
had  their  day ;  the  faults  of  each  were  strongly  contrasted,  and  better 
writers  kept  the  mean  between  them.  More  lasting  effect  was  produced  by 
translators,  who,  in  later  times,  have  corrupted  our  idiom  as  much  as,  in 
early  ones,  they  enriched  our  vocabulary ;  and  to  this  injury  the  Scotch 
have  greatly  contributed, — for,  composing  in  a  language  which  is  not  their 
mother  tongue,  they  necessarily  acquire  an  artificial  and  formal  style, 
which,  not  so  much  through  the  merit  of  a  few  as  owing  to  the  perseve- 
rance of  others,  who  for  half  a  century  seated  themselves  on  the  bench  of 
criticism,  has  almost  superseded  the  vernacular  English  of  Addison  and 
Swift.  Our  journals,  indeed,  have  been  the  great  corrupters  of  our  style, 
and  continue  to  be  so ;  and  not  for  this  reason  only.  Men  who  write  in 
newspapers  and  magazines  and  reviews,  write  for  present  effect ;  in  most 
cases  this  is  as  much  their  natural  and  proper  aim,  as  it  would  be  in  public 
speaking ;  but  when  it  is  so,  they  consider,  like  public  speakers,  not  so  much 
what  is  accurate  or  just,  either  in  matter  or  manner,  as  what  will  be  accept- 
able to  those  whom  they  address.  Writing  also  under  the  excitement  of 
emulation  and  rivalry,  they  seek,  by  all  the  artifices  and  efforts  of  an  am- 
bitious style,  to  dazzle  their  readers ;  and  they  are  wise  in  their  generation, 
experience  having  shown  that  common  minds  are  taken  by  glittering  faults, 
both  in  prose  and  verse,  as  larks  are  with  looking-glasses." — Soutiiey's 
*  Colloquies^  vol.  ii.  p.  296. 

Of  another  contemporary  author,  whose  writings  might  be  advanta- 
geously used  as  models,  it  has  been  well  said  that  *  Arnold's  style  is  worthy 
of  his  manly  understanding  and  the  noble  simplicity  of  his  character.'  A 
few  sentences  of  historical  description  will  show  the  justice  of  this  praise, 
while  it  adds  another  specimen  of  the  kind  of  English,  which  should  be 
employed  in  the  study  of  the  language  : 

"  Before  the  sweeping  pursuit  of  Hannibal's  Numidians,  crowds  of  fugi- 
tives were  seen  flying  towards  the  city,  while  the  smoke  of  burning  houses 
arose  far  and  wide  into  the  sky. ,  Within  the  walls  the  confusion  and  terror 
were  at  their  height :  he  was  come  at  last,  this  Hannibal,  whom  they  had 
so  long  dreaded  ;  he  had  at  length  dared  what  even  the  slaughter  of  Cannae 
had  not  emboldeneH  him  to  venture  ;  some  victory  greater  even  than  CannoQ 
must  have  given  him  this  confidence  ;  the  three  armies  before  Capua  must 
be  utterly  destroyed ;  last  year  he  had  destroyied  or  dispersed  three  other 
armies,  and  had  gained  possession  of  the  entire  south  of  Italy ;  and  now 


Xll  INTRODUCTION    TO 

he  had  stormed  the  lines  before  Capua,  had  cut  to  pieces  the  whole  remain- 
ing  force  of  the  Roman  people,  and  was  come  to  Rome  to  finish  his  work. 
So  the  wives  and  mothers  of  Rome  lamented,  as  they  hurried  to  the  tem- 
ples ;  and  there,  prostrate  before  the  gods,  and  sweeping  the  sacred  pave- 
ment with  their  unbound  hair  in  the  agony  of  their  fear,  they  remained 
pouring  forth  their  prayers  for  deliverance.  Their  sons  and  husbands  has- 
tened to  man  the  walls  and  the  citadel,  and  to  secure  the  most  important 
points  without  the  city ;  whilst  the  senate,  as  calm  as  their  fathers  of  old, 
whom  the  Gauls  massacred  when  sitting  at  their  own  doors,  but  with  the 
energy  of  manly  resolution,  rather  than  the  resignation  of  despair,  met  in 
the  forum,  and  there  remained  assembled,  to  direct  every  magistrate  on  the 
instant,  how  he  might  best  fulfil  his  duty. 

"  But  God's  care  watched  over  the  safety  of  a  people,  whom  he  had 
chosen  to  work  out  the  purposes  of  his  providence;  Rome  was  not  to 
perish.     ***** 

*  *  *  "  Hannibal,  at  the  head  of  a  large  body  of  cavalry,  came  . 
close  up  to  the  Colline  gate,  rode  along  leisurely  under  the  walls  to  see  all 
he  could  of  the  city,  and  is  said  to  have  cast  his  javelin  into  it  as  in  de- 
fiance. From  farthest  Spain  he  had  come  into  Italy ;  he  had  wasted  the 
whole  country  of  the  Romans  and  their  allies  with  fire  and  sword  for  more 
than  six  years,  had  slain  more  of  their  citizens  than  were  now  ahve  against 
him ;  and  at  last  he  was  shutting  them  up  within  their  city,  and  riding 
freely  under  their  walls,  while  none  dared  meet  him  in  the  field.  If  any 
thing  of  disappointment  depressed  his  mind  at  that  instant ;  if  he  felt  that 
Rome's  strength  was  not  broken,  nor  the  spirit  of  her  people  quelled,  that 
his  own  fortune  was  wavering,  and  that  his  last  effort  had  been  made,  and 
made  in  vain ;  yet,  thinking  where  he  was,  and  of  the  shame  and  loss 
which  his  presence  was  causing  to  his  enemies,  he  must  have  wished  that 
his  father  could  have  lived  to  see  that  day,  and  must  have  thanked  the  gods 
of  his  country,  that  they  had  enabled  him  so  fully  to  perform  his  vow." — 
Arnold's  *  History  of  Rome/  chap.  44. 

In  bringing  these  somewhat  desultory  remarks  to  a  close,  I  must  state  that 
I  have  thought  proper  to  refrain  from  adding  any  thing  in  the  way  of  doubt 
or  difference  of  opinion  to  the  explanations  of  the  synonyms  given  in  the 
volume.  I  have  not  felt  the  necessity  of  interfering  with  the  book  in  such 
a  way,  and  will  only  introduce  here  a  few  lines  to  be  taken  in  connection 
with  the  title  *  shall  and  will.'  The  following  is  the  explanation  given  by 
Wallis  in  his  Grammar  of  the  English  Language  (1699) :  it  is  of  authority 
as  being  the  distinction  drawn  by  a  mind  sO  logical  and  so  well  trained  in 
the  processes  of  exact  science  as  that  of  the  Savilian  Professor  of  Geom^ 
etry. 

"  Shall  et  will  indicant  Futurum. 

"  Quoniam  autem  extraneis  satis  est  cognitu  diflScile,  quando  hoc  vel 
ilud  dicendum  est  (non  enim  promiscue  dicimus  shall  et  will)  ;   noque 


r 


THE    AMERICAN    EDITION.  Xlll 


tamen  alii  quos  vidi  ullas  tradidere  regulas  quibus  dirigantur:  has  ego 
tradere  necessarium  duxi,  quas  qui  observaverit  hac  in  re  non  aberrabit. 

In  primis  personis  shall  simpliciter  praedicentis  est ;  will  quasi  promit- 
tentis  aut  minantis. 

"  In  secundis  et  tertiis  personis,  shall  promittentis  est  aut  minantis ; 
will  simpliciter  praedicentis." — '  Grammatica  LingucB  AnglicancB.* 

I  have  been  tempted  to  extend  this  Introduction  beyond  what  I  at  first 
intended,  by  a  desire  to  promote  an  important  but  much -neglected  subject 
of  study.  In  pointing  out  some  of  the  uses  of  this  volume  as  a  text-book, 
I  hoped  at  the  same  time  to  suggest  some  of-  the  means  by  which  in  many 
and  various  waya  the  systematic  study  of  our  own  language  may  be  made 
mteresting.  To  prove  that  I  do  not  speak  with  undue  earnestness  respect- 
ing the  intrinsic  value  and  interest  of  the  study,  I  add,  in  conclusion,  a  few 
authorities,  which,  I  am  sure,  cannot  fail  to  make  an  impression  upon  those 
who  have  the  cause  of  sound  education  at  heart. 

"  Exceedingly  irksome  as  the  mere  learning  of  rules  about  a  language, 
which  we  are  actually  speaking,  is,  that  very  irksomeness  may  be  useful  if 
it  is  made  a  step  to  the  very  delightful  exercise  (I  should  think  there  were 
very  few  more  delightful)  of  ascertaining  what  the  laws  are  which  we  do 
actually  follow,  and  must  follow,  when  we  speak  so  as  to  make  ourselves 
intelligible  to  others.  This  is  one  part  of  the  study  of  language,  but  the 
mind  of  the  pupil  will  become  very  cold  and  formal,  though  possibly  very 
acute  and  ingenious,  if  it  is  made  the  only  one.  The  consideration  of 
words,  of  their  connections  with  each  other,  of  their  origin  and  history,  and 
of  the  new  meanings  they  contracted  as  they  came  in  contact  with  new 
subjects,  is  the  other  and  vital  part  of  it.  How  deep  an  interest  boys  at  a 
very  early  age  may  take  in  this  pursuit !  what  clearness,  liveliness,  honesty, 
it  gives  to  their  minds  !  At  the  same  time,  what  a  sense  of  awfulness  and 
mystery  in  themselves,  and  in  that  language  which  they  are  every  day 
using  !  consequently,  what  a  serious  meditative  habit  it  cultivates  in  them, 
without  in  the  least  destroying  the  gaiety  of  their  spirits,  I  think  we  may 
all  have  -observed.  I  can  conceive  scarcely  any  pursuit  a  teacher  can  en- 
gage in,  which  would  bring  him  in  so  man}''  rewards  of  increased  acquaint- 
ance with  his  pupil's  mind,  and  with  his  own,  or  one  therefore  for  which  it 
would  be  more  his  duty  to  train  himself  diligently  and  systematically." — 
*  Lectures  on  National  Education/  by  the  Rev.  Professor  Maurice,  of 
King's  College,  London. 

"  il  word  which  has  no  precise  meaning,  can  but  poorly  fulfill  its  ofEce 
of  being  a  sign  and  guide  of  thought :  and  if  it  be  connected  with  matters 
interesting  to  the  feelings,  or  of  practical  moment,  it  may  easily  become 
mischievous.  Now  in  a  language  like  ours,  in  which  the  abstract  terms  are 
mostly  imported  from  abroad,  such  terms,  when  they  get  into  general  circu- 
lation, are  especially  liable  to  be  misunderstood  and  perverted ;  inasmuch  aa 

B 


XIV  INTRODUCTION,    ETC. 

few  can  have  any  distinct  conception  what  their  meaning  really  is,  or  how 
they  came  by  it.  Having  neither  taproots,  nor  lateral  roots,  they  are  easily 
shaken  and  driven  out  of  line ;  and  one  gust  may  blow  them  on  one  side, 
another  on  another  side.  Hence  arises  a  confusion  of  tongues,  even  within 
the  pale  of  the  same  language  ;  and  this  breeds  a  confusion  of  thoughts. 
Of  all  classes  of  paralogisms  the  most  copious  is  that  in  which  a  word, 
used  in  one  sense  in  the  premises,  slips  another  sense  into  the  conclusion. 
*****  *  * 

"  They  who  feel  an  inward  call  to  teach  and  enlighten  their  countr}^men, 
should  deem  it  an  important  part  of  their  duty  to  draw  out  the  stores  of 
thought  which  are  already  latent  in  their  native  language,  to  purify  it  from 
the  corruptions  which  Time  brings  upon  all  things,  and  Irom  which  lan- 
guage has  no  exemption,  and  to  endeavour  to  give  distinctness  and  precision 
to  whatever  in  it  is  confused,  or  obscure,  or  dimly  seen. 

****** 

"  A  man  should  love  and  venerate  his  native  language,  as  the  first  of  his 
benefactors,  as  the  awakener  and  stirrer  of  all  his  thoughts,  the  frame  and 
mould  and  rule  of  his  spiritual  being,  as  the  great  bond  and  medium  of  in- 
tercourse with  his  fellows,  as  the  mirror  in  which  he  sees  his  own  nature, 
and  without  which  he  could  not  even  commune  with  himself,  as  the  image 
in  which  the  wisdom  of  God  has  chosen  to  reveal  itself  to  him.  He  who 
thus  thinks  of  his  native  language  will  never  approach  it  without  reverence. 
Yet  his  reverence  will  not  withhold,  but  rather  encourage  him,  to  do  what 
he  can  to  purify  and  improve  it." — ^Julius  Hare.     *  Guesses  at  Truth.^ 

And  last,  it  is  Coleridge,  who  says — 

"  Reflect  on  your  own  thoughts,  actions,  circumstances,  and — which  will 
be  of  especial  aid  to  you  in  forming  a  habit  of  reflection, — accustom  your 
self  to  reflect  on  the  words  you  use,  hear,  or  read,  their  birth,  derivation  and 
history.  For  if  words  are  not  things,  they  are  living  powers,  by  which  tho 
things  of  most  importance  to  mankind  are  actuated,  combined,  and  hu- 
manized."— *  Aids  to  Reflection.^ — Preface. 

H.  R. 

Philadelphia,  October  23,  1846. 


NOTE. 

The  references  for  the  illustrative  authorities  under  each  title  are  made 
to  the  poems,  which  are  respectively  quoted,  the  references  to  *  Paradise 
I^st' — '  Paradise  Regained,'  and  *  Samson  Agonistes'  being  given  with  only 
the  initials  of  the  titles  of  those  poems. 


PREFACE. 

Dr.  Blair,  in  his  **  Lectures  upon  the  English  Language,' 
says : — "  The  great  source  of  a  loose  style  is  the  injudicious 
use  of  synonymous  terms."  If  we  examine  the  style  of  most 
of  the  periodical  and  light  literature  of  the  day,  we  shall  soon 
bo  convinced  of  the  truth  of  this  assertion.  For  one  fault  in 
construction  or  idiom,  we  shall  find  at  least  twenty  incorrect 
applications  of  words.  The  want  of  a  critical  knowledge  of 
verbal  distinctions  is  obviously  the  cause  of  these  errors.  But 
though  the  foundation  of  this  knowledge  should  undoubtedly 
be  laid  at  an  early  stage  of  the  study  of  language,  and  before 
the  habit  of  using  words  in  a  loose  way  has  become  invete- 
rate, it  appears  to  be  generally  considered  unnecessary  for  the 
young  student,  and  is  either  neglected  for  other  pursuits,  or 
else  is  wholly  excluded  from  systematic  education. 

The  pernicious  result  of  this  neglect  is  found  in  the  inac- 
curacy and  looseness  of  style  so  generally  prevalent.  The 
present  work  has  been  written  with  a  view  to  supply  what  the 
author  believes  to  be  a  desideratum  in  Elementary  Education ; 
and  though  he  is  far  from  intending  it  should  be  regarded  as 
complete,  he  hopes  it  will  be  found  to  contain  principles  suffi- 
ciently suggestive  to  enable  those  who  use  it  to  continue  the 
study  to  any  extent  for  themselves. 


CONTENTS. 


Fi.QB 

Fntrowjction 3 

Section  I.  (Generic  and  Specific  Synonymes) 20 

Section  II.  (Active  and  Passive  Synonymes) 102 

Section  III.  (Synonymes  of  Intensity) 177 

Section  IV.  (Positive  and  Negative  Synonymes) 250 

Section  V.  (Miscellaneous  Synonymes) 264 

Index  to  Synonymes 335 

General  Index .  339 


•1i 

■1 


Librmy 

PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


ENGLISH    SYNONYMES 


INTRODUCTION. 


It  is  a  common  observation,  that  there  are  no  two  objects 
in  nature  exactly  alike  :  that  however  close  their  apparent  re- 
semblance to  each  other  may  be,  the  one  will  be  found,  upon 
examination,  to  possess  some  shade,  some  almost  impercepti- 
ble tinge  of  difference  by  which  it  may  be  distinguished  from 
the  other.  But  it  is  not  to  the  superficial  observer  that  these 
nice  varieties  are  evident.  He  who  contents  himself  with  a 
general  or  casual  view  of  things  must  remain  in  ignorance  of 
all  those  nicely  distinctive  properties  of  substances  which  ren- 
der them,  in  certain  respects,  independent  of  each  other.  He 
can  have  no  knowledge  of  their  peculiar  qualities,  but  must 
look  upon  them  as  belonging  to  the  general  mass  of  natural 
matter ;  and  though  the  most  indifferent  spectator  cannot  fail 
to  be  struck  with  their  more  prominent  properties,  he  can  have 
no  information  respecting  their  distinctive  character  or  uses. 
This  observation  is  quite  as  true  of  art  as  of  nature.  Here, 
though  the  artisan  exert  his  utmost  skill  to  make  one  object 
exactly  like  another,  we  shall  find,  upon  a  close  inspection, 
that  he  never  wholly  succeeds  in  his  attempt.  Some  slight 
variety,  either  in  shape,  or  form,  or  color,  or  weight,  will 
be  discovered,  sufficient  to  distinguish  the  copy  from  the  ori- 
ginal.    It  may,  indeed,  be   more  difficult  to  distinguish  bC'" 

1 


2  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

tween  objects  purposely  constructed  alike  ;  still,  however,  the 
truth  will  remain,  that  a  close  examination  will  not  fail  to  de- 
tect a  peculiarity  in  substance,  construction,  dimension,  or  some 
other  quality,  sufficient  to  mark  a  difference  between  the  two 
objects. 

Of  Nature's  intention  in  making  this  wonderful  variety  in 
her  works,  it  is  not  necessary  here  to  speak,  nor  indeed  is  the 
present  work  suited  for  such  a  discussion.  One  reflection, 
however,  which  the  consideration  of  this  variety  will  naturally 
suggest  to  our  minds,  bears  more  directly  upon  the  subject 
before  us.  It  is  this  :  that  the  very  habit  of  indiflference  to  an 
exact  knowledge  of  distinguishing  qualities,  even  in  apparently 
trivial  or  insignificant  objects,  is  the  main  cause  of  all  that 
vague  idea  and  indefinite  conception,  which  is  so  common 
even  among  those  who  pass  with  the  world  for  well-informed 
and  well-instructed  men.  The  extent  to  which  this  habit 
often  prevails  during  our  years  of  education,  and  the  extraor- 
dinary influence  it  has  upon  us  throughout  life,  are  scarcely  to 
be  credited.  It  is  this  almost  inveterate  indifference,  acquired 
in  early  life,  which  causes  us  to  rest  satisfied  with  general 
rather  than  particular  knowledge,  originates  so  many  indistinct 
conceptions,  produces  a  positive  and  violent  aversion  from 
thinking,  and  thus  exercises  a  most  pernicious  influence  upon 
the  intellectual  character  of  the  man. 

If  an  infinite  variety  in  the  appearance  of  external  things  be 
an  admitted  fact,  it  will  follow  that  there  must  be,  in  like  man- 
ner, a  great  variety  in  the  meaning  of  those  words  which  are 
their  conventional  signs.  We  must  not,  however,  expect  to 
find  the  same  extent  of  variety  in  words  as  in  things,  because 
the  system  of  generalization  applied  to  language  does  not  admit 
of  the  same  extension.  Thus,  though  the  word  table  will  rep- 
resent, generally,  a  flat  substance  supported  by  legs,  it  will  not 
stand  for  the  many  varieties  of  this  piece  of  furniture  which 
might  be  presented  to  the  eye.  In  this  respect,  single  words  are 
imperfect ;  for,  though  some  have  undoubtedly  a  more  specific 
meaning  than  others,  they  cannot  express  all  the  varieties  of 
every  species  of  things  :  all  they  can  do  is  to  supply  us  with 
general  signs,  which  must  be  rendered  specific  by  the  addition 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  3 

of  those  qualifying  terms  which  serve  to  modify  their  signifi- 
cation and  give  them  a  more  definite  meaning. 

But  words,  though  they  do  not  express  individual  things, 
actions,  or  qualities,  are  found  to  approximate  so  closely  in 
meaning,  that  it  is  no  easy  matter,  in  many  cases,  to  distin- 
guish them  from  each  other.  The  leading  idea  contained  in 
several  belonging  to  the  same  class  of  meaning  is  so  promi- 
nent, that  the  mind,  in  endeavouring  to  discover  their  differ- 
ences, becomes  dazzled  by  the  more  intensive  property  of  the 
words,  and  neglects  to  examine  the  attendant  shades  by  which 
the  one  maybe  distinguished  from  the  other.  It  is  not  assert- 
ing too  much  to  declare,  that  scarcely  any  give  themselves 
trouble  to  search  for  those  nice  distinctions  of  meaning  by 
which  words  are  characterized ;  nay,  we  are  certain  there  are 
few  candid  persons  not  ready  to  admit  that  they  have  hitherto 
contented  themselves  with  feeling  the  difference  between  the 
signification  of  two  words  of  a  similar  meaning,  without  having 
directed  the  least  attention  to  the  cause  of  that  difference,  or 
to  any  philosophical  principle  by  which  a  distinction  may  be 
established  between  them. 

It  is  of  no  weight  to  argue,  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  the 
study  of  verbal  distinctions,  because  many  writers  have  com- 
posed with  accuracy  and  elegance,  who  have  never  bestowed 
any  attention  on  the  philosophy  of  synonomy.  Some  are 
naturally  endowed  with  a  more  delicate  faculty  of  distinction 
than  others  ;  and  such  persons,  from  an  almost  intuitive  sense 
of  the  exact  meaning  and  application  of  words,  are  seldom  . 
likely  to  use  them  incorrectly ;  but  it  would  be  utterly  absurd 
to  infer  from  this  fact,  that  some  general  rules  to  guide  the 
student  in  his  choice  and  distinction  of  words,  and  in  a  proper 
use  of  them,  would  not  be  acceptable  to  those  who  are  desirous 
of  improving  their  style  in  elegance  and  precision.  For,  the 
habit  of  taking  things  for  granted  is  not  only  highly  unsatis- 
factory to  an  inquiring  mind  engaged  in  honestly  searching  for 
truth,  but  it  is  also  replete  with  danger,  and  cannot  but  con- 
tinually lead  us  into  error.  He  who  always  places  his  depend- 
ence on  appearances,  and  never  appeals  to  his  own  powers 
of  reasoning  or  investigation,  is  sure  to  be  constantly  involved 


PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 


in  difficulties  ;  and  tbougli  he  may  possibly  be  sometimes  right, 
he  never  can  explain  why  he  is  so,  or  guard  against  the  re- 
currence of  perplexities. 

Accuracy  of  expression  will  naturally  lead  to  accuracy  of 
thought,  for  the  practice  of  carefully  examining  the  shades  of 
difference  between  words  is  not  only  useful  in  regard  to  wri- 
ting, but  also  exercises  a  most  salutary  influence  upon  the 
thinking  power.  Now  there  are  grounds  to  fear  that  language 
is,  by  many,  considered  as  something  existing  of  itself,  and 
independent,  rather  than  as  connected  with  its  proper  origin, 
or  as  to  be  referred  to  a  higher  principle.  In  studying  lan- 
guage we  should  never  lose  sight  of  the  fact,  that  it  is  the 
visible  and  audible  expression  of  the  mind,  and  that,  there- 
fore, all  the  phenomena  of  language  are  to  be  referred  for 
their  source  to  the  intellectual  powers.  It  is,  then,  only  by 
investigating  the  modes  in  which  Nature  works  in  the  human 
mind,  and  by  patiently  observing  her  operations,  that  we  can 
expect  to  arrive  at  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  philosophy 
of  expression.  In  these  researches,  the  study  of  metaphysics 
is  our  only  way  to  arrive  at  any  satisfactory  result,  for  from  no 
other  source  can  we  acquire  any  solid  information  on  this  sub- 
ject, nor  upon  any  other  principles  can  we  safely  proceed  in 
our  investigations.  Though  many  scholars  have  displayed 
wonderful  ingenuity  and  sagacity  in  philological  research, 
which  cannot  fail  to  command  the  admiration  of  all  who  make 
this  subject  their  study ;  no  one  has  yet  set  forth  a  system  of 
language  referable  to  the  human  mind,  and  applicable  to  human 
expression  ;  no  one  has  yet  tested  the  significations  of  words, 
their  differences,  their  various  classes  of  differences,  and  the 
causes  of  those  differences,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  reduce 
them  to  a  system  ;  or  has  laid  down  principles  to  serve  as  a 
basis  upon  which  to  ground  a  general  and  comprehensive 
classification  of  our  language. 

Though  the  author  of  the  present  work  is  far  from  pretend- 
ing to  supply  this  desideratum,  he  thinks  it  may  be  not  wholly 
useless  to  mention  some  opinions  he  has  long  entertained  on 
the  subject,  and  to  explain  some  principles  to  assist  in  forming 
a  plan  by  which  the  unpractised  writer  may  be  enabled  to 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  O 

avoid  the  looseness  of  expression  so  common  with  the  majori- 
ty of  writers,  and  to  compose  in  a  clear  and  intelligible  style. 

It  is  to  be  observed,  that  in  every  department  of  science,  a 
classification  of  its  materials  is  one  of  the  leading  principles 
upon  which  philosophers  have  founded  their  systems.  This 
is  a  natural  and  universal  principle,  drawn  from  our  observa- 
tion of  external  objects,  and  found  not  in  one  only,  but  in 
every  department  of  natural  science.  An  attempt  to  acquire 
solid  information  upon  any  other  method  of  instruction  will  in- 
fallibly fill  the  mind  with  crude  and  confused  ideas,  and  im- 
part no  sound  or  lasting  knowledge.  Hence  the  maxim  "  Di- 
vide et  impera"  (divide  and  conquer)  has  been  successfully 
applied  to  every  object  of  human  knowledge,  and  hence  it  is 
generally  received  as  the  only  safe  road  in  which  to  proceed 
in  every  description  of  study. 

Language,  among  other  objects  of  study,  has  been  subjected 
to  the  application  of  this  principle.  Grammarians  have,  ac- 
cordingly, classified  words  under  the  various  heads  of  nouns, 
verbs,  particles,  &c.,  as  they  observed  their  signification  to 
possess  certain  properties.  Thus  names  of  things  were 
classed  as  nouns,  names  of  qualities  as  adjectives,  and  names 
of  actions  as  verbs,  &c.  But  though  these  classes  may  be 
sufficient  for  grammatical  purposes,  and  though  they  are  suflfi- 
cient  to  distinguish  the  more  striking  diff'erences  of  words, 
they  are  wholly  useless  when  we  wish  to  distinguish  riore 
nicely  among  those  of  each  class,  and  between  the  exact 
shades  of  meaning  in  those  more  closely  related  to  each 
other ;  that  is,  though  there  may  be  no  difficulty  in  deter- 
mining between  a  verb  and  a  noun,  or  between  an  adjective 
and  a  conjunction,  we  have  no  unerring  principle  upon  which 
to  found  a  diflference  between  two  nouns  or  two  verbs  which 
approximate  closely  in  signification.  Thus  the  difference  be- 
tween an  answer  and  to  answer  presents  no  difficulty  as  to  the 
grammatical  distinction  of  their  two  natures  ;  but  if  we  wish 
to  distinguish  between  to  answer  and  to  reply,  we  are  immedi- 
ately at  a  loss  to  determine  their  respective  meanings,  because 
we  have  no  fixed  principle  upon  which  to  proceed  in  our  in- 
vestigation of  their  difference. 


6  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

It  SO  happens  that,  in  respect  of  synonymy,  the  English 
language  presents  the  student  with  greater  difficulties  than 
any  other  language  of  Europe.  This  peculiarity  may  be  ac- 
counted for  by  its  structure,  and  by  the  circumstances  which 
led  to  its  formation.  The  difference  of  its  materials,  and  the 
great  variety  of  the  respective  modes  of  feeling  and  expres- 
sion in  those  na.tions  which  contributed  to  its  formation,  are 
sufficient  in  themselves  to  explain  the  cause  of  this  difficulty. 
In  connection  with  this  remark,  it  may  be  observed,  that  theie 
are  many  words  in  our  language  which,  on  a  superficial  view, 
appear  to  convey  precisely  the  same  signification,  and  present, 
even  to  the  scholar,  no  other  than  an  etymological  difference. 
This  is  the  case  with  many  pairs  of  words,  one  of  which  is 
of  Saxon,  and  the  other  of  Latin  origin,  such  as :  freedom — 
liberty;  happiness — -felicity;  help — assistance;  and  many  others. 
The  notion  which  many  entertain  of  such  words  is,  that  as 
they  were  respectively  drawn  from  different  sources,  and  as 
each  word  stood  in  its  original  language  for  the  same  idea, 
they  have  no  difference  of  meaning  in  English.  But  this 
must  be  the  notion  of  those  who  probably  do  not  bestow  much 
attention  on  the  subject ;  for  it  requires  but  little  reflection  to 
convince  us  that  such  a  fact  would  be  an  anomaly  in  the  his- 
tory of  language,  and  strongly  opposed  to  a  first  principle  of 
nature.  And  even  supposing  that  two  words  could  have  pre- 
ciseV  the  same  meaning  in  the  same  language  for  a  short 
space  of  time,  it  is  altogether  contrary  to  every  law  of  lan- 
guage that  they  should  continue  in  that  state  for  any  length- 
ened period.  The  intensity  with  which  Nature  is  said  to  ab- 
hor a  vacuum  can  only  be  equalled  by  her  abhorrence  of  iden- 
tity ;  an  exact  sameness  is  nowhere  to  be  found  among  her 
works,  and  she  seems  to  take  delight  in  baffling  every  attempt 
to  interfere  with  her  dominion  or  oppose  her  laws.  It  cannot, 
however,  be  denied,  (in  applying  this  law  to  our  own  case,) 
that  at  the  Norman  conquest  in  l\)66,  many  words  were  intro- 
duced by  the  conquerors  into  England  which  were  identical 
in  meaning  with  others  in  common  use  among  the  people  of 
the  country  before  the  invasion.  In  fact,  at  that  time,  and 
during  a  considerable  period  after,  two  distinct  languages  ex- 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES. 


isted  in  this  island  :  one  used  by  the  lord,  and  the  other  used 
by  the  tiller  of  the  soil.     But  this  state  of  things  could  not 
continue  very  long  :  for,  by  a  natural  law,  as  soon  as  the  two 
dialects  amalgamated,  and  became  one  language,  one  of  two 
terms  which  had  till  then  identically  corresponded,  either  lost 
a  portion  of  its  original  meaning,  or  suffered  some  alteration 
in  use  ;  or,  if  this  did  not  happen,  it  met  with  the  common  fate 
of  all  words  so  situated— it  disappeared  from  the  language. 
In  this  we  see  the  direct  effect  of  a  universal  law  of  nature, 
viz.,  the  necessity  for  one  of  two  identical  things  becoming 
altered,  or  else  the  impossibility  of  its  remaining  in  existence. 
There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  same  principles  of  differ- 
ence which  our  senses  discover  in  the  external  world  operate 
in  the  very  constitution  of  the  human  mind  ;  and  that  proper- 
ties belonging  to  the  nature  of  material  bodies  and  external 
action  find  corresponding  conceptions  in  the  mind,  and  conse- 
quently, corresponding  expressions  in  language.     Thus,  many 
words  may  be  observed  to  differ  from  each  other,  as  the  spe- 
cies from  the  genus,  as  we  may  perceive  between  to  do  and  to 
make  ;  a  very  large  class  of  words  may  be  distinguished  un- 
der the  heads  of  active  and  passive,  as  between  ability  and  ca- 
pacity ;  the  principle  of  intensity  may  be  observed  to  operate 
in  the  difference  between  the  words  to  see  and  to  look ;  others 
have  d.  positive  and  negative  difference,  as  between  to  shun  and 
to  avoid,  and  many,  which  do  not  appear  to  depend  on  any 
uniformly  acting  principle,  may  be  ranged  under  the  head  of 
miscellaneous. 

The  heads,  then,  under  which  the^words  explained  in  the 
body  of  this  work  are  arranged  in  their  respective  sections 
are:— 1.  Generic  and  Specific  ;  2.  Active  and  Passive; 
3.  Intensity  ;  4.  Positive  and  Negative  ;  and  5.  Miscel- 
laneous. It  is  not  pretended  that  this  classification  is  perfect 
or  complete  ;  but,  in  the  absence  of  any  other,  it  is  hoped  it 
may  prove  useful  to  the  student,  not  only  in  supplying  him 
with  the  information  required  concerning  the  w^ords  here  treat- 
ed, but  in  furnishing  him  with  principles  applicable  to  other 
pairs  of  words,  not  here  explained,  which  may  present  hxm 
with  any  difficulty. 


8  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

A  very  large  class  of  syuonymes  may  be  ranged  under 
the  heads  of  Generic  and  Specific  ;  that  is,  the  one  word 
will  be  found  to  differ  from  the  other,  as  the  species  from  the 
genus  :  as  in  such  words  as  to  do  and  to  make ;  to  clothe  and 
to  dress ;  praise  and  applause,  <Sfc.  But  as  these  terms,  generic 
and  specific,  may  not  be  familiar  to  the  generality  of  young 
students,  it  may  be  useful  here  to  explain  them.  In  their  clas- 
sification of  natural  objects,  philosophers  have  divided  them 
under  three  grand  heads,  or,  as  they  are  termed  in  scientific 
language,  kingdoms.  These  kingdoms  are  divided  into  classes 
and  orders.  These  orders  again  are  divided  into  genera,  and 
the  genera  into  species.  This  system  of  classification,  though 
it  may  not  be  applied  so  extensively  to  language  as  in  natural 
philosophy,  will  in  many  cases  assist  in  discovering  differ- 
ences not  so  easily  perceived  by  the  application  of  any  other 
principle.  Rejecting  the  terms  kingdom  and  class,  we  may 
consider  the  part  of  speech,  as  noun  or  verb,  to  represent  the 
order ;  then  the  genera  may  be  classed  under  each  order  as 
expressing  some  general  or  leading  principle,  and  the  species 
under  the  genus,  as  describing  the  latter  more  particularly. 
Let  it  be  required  to  discover  the  difference  between  to  do  and 
to  make  : — Applying  the  principle  above  explained,  both  words 
will  fall  under  the  order  verb  : — as  to  do  expresses  general 
action,  it  will  be  the  generic ;  and  as  to  make  describes  a  more 
specific  mode  of  doing,  it  will  be  the  specific  term.  By  the 
same  principle,  applause  will  be  a  species  of  the  genus  praise, 
both  belonging  to  the  order  noun.  Again,  robust  will  be  a  spe- 
cies of  the  genus  strong,  and  belonging  to  the  order  adjective. 
In  the  exercises  under  this  head,  we  have  to  do  only  with  the 
genus  and  species,  for  the  order,  or  part  of  speech,  is  equally 
applicable  to  both  w^ords,  and  will  be  of  no  assistance  in  our 
endeavour  to  determine  their  respective  meanings. 

It  will  be  here  necessary  to  explain  the  signification  of  the 
terms  active  and  passive  as  applied  to  the  philosophy  of  sy- 
nonymy, and  under  which  head  the  words  in  the  second  sec- 
tion of  this  work  are  arranged.  Many  words  possess  an  ac- 
tive or  passive  meaning,  wholly  independent  of  the  grammati- 
cal sense  of  these  two  terms.     A  word  that  expresses  a  passive 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES. 


or  recijiient  state  may  thus  often  be  distinguished  from  one 
that  contains  the  same  ideain  an  active  state.  Between  many 
abstract  nouns  we  shall  find  this  principle  to  operate.  This 
may  be  illustrated  by  the  respective  meanings  of  the  two  words 
ability  and  capacity.  The  idea  of  power  is  here  common  to 
both  words,  but  the  latter  expresses  a  power  of  receiving,  and 
has  a  recipient  or  passive  meanmg ;  whereas  the  former  ex- 
presses a  power  to  execute,  and  consequently  has  an  active 
signification.  Again,  the  idea  of  reason  enters  into  the  mean- 
ing of  both  the  adjectives  reasonable  and  rational;  but  the  for- 
mer qualifies  a  being  who  exercises  reason,  and  the-  latter, 
one  who  possesses  reason,  and  consequently,  the  difiference 
between  them  is  to  be  found  in  the  active  and  passive  mean- 
ing of  each  respectively.  Lastly,  even  in  the  case  of  verbs 
into  which  the  idea  of  action  more  fully  enters,  we  may  fre- 
quently observe  a  difference  in  meaning  dependent  upon  this 
principle.  This  may  be  exemplified  by  the  two  verbs  to  keep 
and  to  retain.  We  keep,  by  the  exertion  of  our  own  power ; 
v/e  retain,  from  the  want  of  power  or  will  in  others.  We 
keep  what  we  prevent  others  from  taking,  we  retain  what  is 
not  taken  from  us.  In  the  first,  we  are  in  an  active,  in  the 
second,  in  a  passive  state.  It  is  undeniable  that  attention  to 
this  phenomenon  would,  in  many  cases,  solve  a  doubt  which 
might  exist  as  to  the  exact  difiference  in  the  meaning  of  words. 
Another  extensively  prevalent  principle  in  nature  is  that  of 
Intensity.  In  the  material  world,  its  eflfects  meet  us  at  ev- 
ery turn.  Scarcely  at  any  two  moments  does  fire  burn  with 
exactly  the  same  degree  of  heat,  nor  does  the  sun  shine  with 
the  same  brilliancy  without  some  intervening  circumstance 
which  modifies  or  increases  its  degree  of  brightness.  We 
may  then  confidently  look  for  the  same  principle  in  words 
which  is  applied  so  extensively  to  objects  of  sense.  It  must 
here  again  be  remembered  that  this  principle  of  intensity  has 
no  reference  to  comparison,  as  applied  to  a  grammatical  class 
of  words,  but  imports  a  higher  degree,  as  marked  by  the  dif- 
ference of  meaning  between  two  words  in  another  respect 
Bimilar.  We  find  it  not  only  in  adjectives,  but  also  in  nouns 
and  verbs,  and  indeed,  in  some  cases,  in  prepositions.     The 


10  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

distinction  between  the  two  adjectives  bright  and  brilliant  is 
marked  by  the  intensive  degree  expressed  in  the  latter  v^^ord. 
Brilliant  is  bright  and  something  more,  or  it  expresses  a  higher 
and  more  intensive  degree  of  bright.  A  difference  of  degree 
will  also  mark  the  distinction  between  the  words  breeze  and 
gale ;  a  breeze  signifies  a  gentle  wind ;  a  gale,  a  stronger  wind. 
Again,  the  difference  between  to  see  and  to  look,  or  to  hear 
and  to  listen,  will  depend  upon  the  same  principle,  the  latter 
expressing  a  more  intensive  degree  of  the  former.  When- 
ever the  differences  between  two  words  may  be  accounted  for 
on  this  principle,  such  words  may  be  termed  synonymes  of 
intensity. 

A  fourth  class  of  differences  may  be  formed  under  the  head 
of  Positive  and  Negative.  Here  also  we  find  the  same  idea 
common  to  both  words  ;  but  in  the  one  it  appears  in  a  positive 
or  independent  form,  whilst  in  the  other  it  has  a  negative  mean- 
ing. The  two  verbs  to  shun  and  to  avoid  will  come  under  this 
head  of  differences.  To  shun  means  positively  to  turn  from; 
whereas  to  avoid  is  merely  not  to  go  in  the  way  of,  and  has  a 
negative  sense.  The  same  remarks  will  apply  to  the  differ- 
ence of  meaning  between  the  two  nouns  fault  and  defect.  A 
fault  is  something  positively  wrong ;  a  defect  is  something 
negatively  wrong.  What  is  faulty  has  what  it  should  not 
have  ;  what  is  defective  has  not  what  it  should  have.  This 
class  may  not  be  found  to  contain  so  many  words  as  those 
above  explained,  but  the  principle  will  be  frequently  available 
in  determining  the  difference  of  words  which  cannot  be  brought 
under  another  category. 

But  although  some  of  the  principles  above  explained  will 
test  the  difference  of  a  large  majority  of  synonymous  terms, 
there  are,  undoubtedly,  many  to  which  none  of  them  will  ap- 
ply. The  difference  between  two  words  will,  in  many  cases, 
be  so  slight,  and  will  consist  in  so  nice  and  delicate  a  varia- 
tion, that  it  can  be  explained  only  by  the  individual  circum- 
stances of  the  case.  And  here  it  must  be  confessed  that  the 
synonymous  words  explained  in  this  manner  lie  open  to  the 
objection  mentioned  in  another  part  of  this  introduction  ;  for 
the  student  will  here  gain  no  further  information  than  that 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONVMES.  H 

Riven  him  concerning  the  words  themselves-he  will  acquire 
B  knowledge  of  the  difFetence  between  the  two  words  under 
consideration;  but  that  knowledge  will  be  strictly  limited  to 
the  words  themselves,  and  the  explanation  itself  wil  not  sug- 
gest any  power  of  distinguishing  between  other  words.  Such 
Terms  are  explained  in  the  fifth  section  of  this  work,  and  are 
ranged  under  the  head  of  "  Miscellaneous." 

In  concluding  my  remarks  upon  this  classification  ot  sy- 
nonymous words,  I  must  again  repeat  that  I  do  not  set  forth 
this  system  as  a  complete  or  perfect  classification  of  such 
terms  but  that  I  have  adopted  it  for  want  of  abetter,  or  rather, 
for  want  of  any  existing  arrangement.     In  all  the  works  on 
synonymy  which  have  fallen  under  my  notice,  I  have  m  vam 
searched  for  some  rule,  the  application  of  which  would  bring 
any  required  word  under  a  certain  class,  and  thus  enable  a 
student  to  ascertain  its  precise  meaning,  as  distinguished  from 
its  nearest  relative.     As  far  as  I  am  aware,  no  system  of  classi- 
fication has  been  adopted  by  any  writer  on  the  subject      But 
though  it  is  true  that  none  of  these  writers  has  adopted  such 
a  classification  as  might  suggest  to  the  learner  uniformly  act- 
ing principles  of  difi-erence,  there  can  be  no  question  that  they 
were  acquainted  with  these  principles,  for  they  have  fre- 
quently employed  them  in  their  definitions.     On  the  other 
hand,  though  the  meaning  of  some  words  is  explamed  m  these 
works,  in  many  instances,  with  great  ingenuity  and  acuteness, 
many  others  are  defined  upon  very  vague,  and  some  upon  very 
arbitrary  principles.     The  student,  it  is  true,  may  gam  the 
information  he  requires  with  respect  to   certain  words  ;  but 
here  his  knowledge  stops ;  it  is  restricted  to  the  words  imme- 
diately under  consideration  ;    nothing  is   done   towards  en- 
larging lis  views  of  the  philosophy  of  language,  nor  is  any 
rule  given  him  by  which  he  may  for  himself  discover  the  real 
difference  which  exists  between  words  apparently  identical. 

Every  one  who  has  had  any  habit  or  practice  m  composmg 
must  remember  the  doubts  he  has  frequently  entertained  ot 
the  proper  use  of  many  words  suggesting  themselves  m  the 
course  of  writing.  In  all  cases  of  this  sort,  there  is  a  word, 
and  but  one  word,  which  will  exactly  convey  our  meaning; 


12  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

but  the  difficulty  is  how  to  get  at  it.  The  writer  lays  down 
his  pen — begins  to  think — ^becomes  more  and  more  embarrass- 
ed— till,  at  last,  by  some  lucky  association,  a  word,  which  he 
fancies  the  right  one,  strikes  his  mind,  and  he  imagines  the 
difficulty  removed.  Very  far  from  it ;  another  word,  apparent- 
ly as  appropriate  as  the  first,  presents  itself  to  his  mind,  and 
he  now  is  more  perplexed  between  the  two,  than  he  was  be- 
fore puzzled  about  the  one.  With  many,  it  now  becomes  a 
mere  question  of  euphony,  and  the  more  harmonious  word  is 
adopted  without  hesitation.  But  the  conscientious  writer, 
though  he  may  regard  harmony  as  a  very  desirable  attainment, 
cannot  be  satisfied  with  sound  for  sense,  and  he  looks  for 
some  principle  upon  which  he  can  securely  rely,  to  guide  him 
in  his  choice.  It  is  true,  that  he  can  search  for  tne  dilFerence 
between  the  two  words  in  some  work  of  reference,  and  will 
probably  obtain  the  required  information,  as  regards  the  word 
itself,  the  precise  meaning  of  which  he  wishes  to  fix ;  but  he 
will  perhaps  not  have  written  a  few  lines,  before  the  same 
difficulty  again  presents  itself,  and  he  thus  finds  himself  con- 
Bnually  involved  in  the  most  discouraging  perplexities.  These 
observations  will,  of  course,  not  apply  to  the  careless  writer. 
To  him  it  is  of  little  consequence  in  what  form  he  exhib  ts  his 
thoughts,  or  what  words  he  employs  in  expressing  them  ,  how- 
ever just  his  views  on  any  subject  may  be,  or  whatever  merit 
he  may  possess,  either  of  novelty  or  originality  of  thought,  his 
total  indifference  to  accuracy  of  expression  will  not  only  cause 
him  to  fail  in  his  attempts  to  make  his  readers  understand  him, 
but  will  produce  much  positive  harm  in  their  minds,  by  the 
looseness  and  inaccuracy  of  his  style. 

But  to  those  who  would  write  sensibly  and  carefully — who 
are  not  satisfied  with  sound  for  sense,  and  who  are  honestly 
desirous  of  acquiring  a  clear  and  perspicuous  style,  the  fol- 
lowing rule  may  be  useful : — Where  a  difficulty  of  choice  in 
two  or  more  words  occurs,  collect  together  all  those  which 
bear  upon  the  meaning  desired,  and  apply  to  them  some  of 
the  principles  above  explained.  It  will  be  found,  that  some 
may  be  ranged  under  the  class  of  generic  and  specific,  others 
may  belong  to  the  active  and  passive  class,  a  third  pair  may 


OxN   ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  13 

bd  distinguished  by  the  principle  of  intensity,  others  again 
may  be  to  each  other  as  positive  and  negative,  and  so  forth. 
By  thus  applying  some  general  principle  of  difference  to 
words,  the  precise  limits  to  the  meaning  of  each  will  not  be 
so  difficult  to  ascertain,  and  the  habit  of  testing  their  signifi- 
cation in  this  manner  will  soon  produce  a  marked  effect  on  the 
style  of  those  who  practise  the  rule. 

There  is  one  science  intimately  connected  with  the  subject 
of  synonymy,  upon  which  it  will  be  naturally  expected  that 
some  remarks  should  here  be  made.  I  mean  Etymology.  A 
knowledge  of  the  derivation  of  words  is  unquestionably  of 
great  service  in  enabling  us  to  determine  their  meaning,  and 
it  may  be  confidently  asserted,  that  they  who  are  wholly  ig- 
norant of  those  languages  from  which  English  is  derived  can 
never  have  that  clear  conception  of  the  primary  signification 
of  words  which  every  good  etymologist  must  possess.  On  the 
other  hand,  it  should  not  be  forgotten,  that  as  words  are  con- 
tinually undergoing  some  alteration  in  meaning,  and  in  course 
of  time,  acquiring  an  incrustation,  as  it  were,  of  signification, 
we  should  not  place  too  firm  a  reliance  on  a  knowledge  of 
their  original  meaning,  in  endeavoring  to  fix  the  exact  limits 
of  their  modern  acceptation.  A  love  for  antiquity  and  classi- 
cal associations,  however  natural  and  admirable  in  itself,  may, 
like  all  other  strong  passions,  prove  in  some  respects  perni- 
cious ;  and  it  is  much  to  be  feared,  that  undue  admiration  for 
the  beauty  of  ancient  languages  has,  in  many  instances,  caused 
us  to  underrate  the  qualities  of  our  mother  tongue.  But  we 
should  remember,  that  in  order  to  gain  any  sound  knowledge 
of  a  subject,  it  is  necessary  not  only  to  make  ourselves  ac- 
quainted with  its  origin,  but  also  to  be  able  to  trace  it  through 
all  the  phases  of  its  existence,  a  rule  particularly  applicable 
to  language,  the  materials  of  which  are  so  fluctuating  and 
changeable.  Now,  the  principles  before  explained  do  not  be- 
long to  any  one  language  in  particular,  but  are  applicable  to 
every  language  on  the  globe,  both  ancient  and  modern  ;  they 
are  universal — they  are  founded  in  the  very  nature  of  things — 
they  existed  before  any  language  was  spoken,  and  we  may 
presume  that  they  will  last  as  long  as  the  world  continues  to 

2 


14  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

exist.  I  would  not  have  it  supposed,  that  in  making  these  re- 
marks, I  entertain  any  disrespect  for  the  languages  or  literature 
of  antiquity  ;  so  far  from  this  being  the  case,  I  yield  to  none 
in  my  respect  and  veneration  for  the  ancients  ;  and  I  am  im- 
pressed with  a  firm  conviction,  that  antiquity  is  the  source 
from  which  all  the  poets  and  philosophers  of  modern  times 
have  most  copiously  drawn.  I  would  merely  caution  the 
young  student  against  allowing  his  prejudices  in  favour  of  the 
ancients  to  interfere  with  the  application  of  universal  princi- 
ples. Indeed,  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  ancients  were 
as  well  acquainted  with  these  principles  as  ourselves,  for  ev- 
ery day  brings  to  light  some  new  proof  of  how  much  further 
advanced  they  were  even  in  practical  science  than  we  are 
inclined  to  give  them  credit  for  ;  and  we  are  not  justified  in 
inferring,  because  they  have  left  us  no  distinct  works  upon 
this  subject,  that  they  were  not  aware  of  these  principles,  and 
did  not  apply  them  in  the  same  way  as  the  moderns. 

It  is  not  a  little  surprising  that  the  English,  who  in  some 
questions  have  displayed  such  admirable  patience  of  research 
and  sagacity  of  investigation,  should  have  produced  so  few 
works  on  the  subject  of  synonymy.  During  the  last  century, 
France  reckoned  a  considerable  number  of  writers  on  this 
subject ;  among  others,  Girard,  Voltaire,  D'Alembert,  Duclos, 
Dumarsais,  Diderot,  Beauzee,  Roubaud,  Lavaux,  &c.  The 
German  writers  on  synonymy  are  Eberhard  and  Maass.  The 
Italians  and  Spanish  have  also  directed  some  attention  to  this 
subject :  among  the  former  may  be  mentioned,  Grassi,  Ro- 
man!, and  Tommaseo ;  and  among  the  latter,  Huerta  and 
March.  The  only  works  on  synonymy  deserving  of  notice 
which  we  possess  in  English  are,  those  of  Dr.  Trusler,  Mr. 
W.  Taylor,  of  Norwich,  and  Mr.  Crabb.  These  are  all  books 
of  reference,  and  not  one  of  them  adapted  to  the  wants  of 
younger  students,  or  in  any  way  suited  to  the  purposes  of 
practical  education.  Dr.  Trusler's  book,  published  at  London 
in  1766,  was  a  partial  abstract  of  the  Abbe  Girard's  "  Syno- 
nymes  Fran9ais."  Most  of  the  articles  are  little  more  than 
translations  from  this  work,  and  these  are  interspersed  with 
some  original  definitions  of  some  contiguous  terms  peculiar  to 


ON   ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  15 

ourselves  But  many  of  his  explanations  are  very  vague  ; 
several  of  the  terms  which  he  defines  are  altered  in  meaning 
since  his  time,  and  others  are  growing,  or  have  already  be- 
come, obsolete.  These  objections  are  of  themselves  sufficient 
to  render  his  work  rather  a  matter  of  literary  curiosity  than  a 
source  of  instruction.  Mr.  Taylor's  work,  which  appeared  in 
1813,  displays  much  learning.  He  has  taken  etymology  as 
the  basis  of  his  definitions,  but  in  so  doing,  he  appears  to 
liave  frequently  lost  sight  uF  the  modern  acceptation  of  words, 
and  consequently  he  ha^  sometimes  attempted  to  force  on 
words  a  meaning  whi'.h  they  do  not  really  possess.  Hence 
many  of  his  definitions  and  discriminations  are  purely  ar- 
bitrary. For  these  reasons,  his  work  was  not  so  useful  as  he 
undoubtedly  had  the  power  of  making  it,  and  we  believe  that 
it  never  reached  a  second  edition.  But  the  largest  work  that 
we  possess  on  the  subject  of  synonymy  is  that  of  Mr.  Crabb, 
who,  in  1810,  published  his  "English  Synonymes  arranged 
in  alphabetical  order."  This  is  a  work  of  much  higher  pre- 
tensions, and,  as  a  book  of  reference,  is  unquestionably  of 
great  utility.  There  is,  however,  one  point  connected  with 
its  execution  which  appears  to  interfere  in  some  measure  with 
its  utility.  One  part  of  the  plan  of  his  work,  is  to  compare 
four  or  five,  and  sometimes  as  many  as  six  words  of  the  same 
class  of  meaning,  and  explain  their  differences  in  one  article. 
In  doing  this,  all  the  words  are  so  mixed  up  together,  and 
their  explanations  so  perplexed,  that  the  student,  who  it  may 
be  presumed  is  searching  for  the  exact  meaning  of  a  single 
word,  often  finds  it  utterly  impossible  to  disentangle  the  one 
term  from  the  many  with  which  it  is  mixed  up,  and  thus,  in 
many  cases,  obtains  no  satisfactory  information.  It  should  be 
remarked,  however,  that  this  practice  is  not  peculiar  to  Mr. 
Crabb,  but  is  common  to  both  the  others,  as  well  as  to  all  the 
foreign  writers  on  the  subject.* 

*  Besides  the  works  above  mentioned,  there  was  published  at  Brunswick,  in  1841, 
a  work  entitled  "  Synonymisches  Handworterbuch  der  Englischen  Sprache  fur  die 
Deutschen."  The  author  of  this  work  is  Dr.  Melford,  professor  of  modern  lan- 
guages in  the  University  of  Gottingen.  This  book,  which  is  merely  a  translation 
of  some  of  the  principal  articles  in  Crabb,  with  additional  examples,  contributes 
nothing  whatever  towards  an  improved  knowledge  of  synonymy. 


16  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

la  the  present  work,  the  author  has  purposely  avoided  com 
paring  more  than  two  terms  in  one  explanation.  This  plan, 
with  one  or  two  exceptions,  has  been  uniformly  followed 
throughout  the  book.  It  has  been  adopted  for  two  reasons  : 
1st,  because,  in  writing,  it  is  almost  always  between  two 
words  that  any  difficulty  :f  choice  exists  ;  and,  2dly,  be- 
cause the  writer  has  been  thus  better  enabled  to  give  the 
inquirer  a  distinct  conception  of  their  real  difference  and- 
respective  limits,  which  could  not  have  been  so  easily  done, 
had  he  followed  the  practice  of  the  beforementioned  writers. 
Besides,  as  the  object  of  this  book  is  not  so  much  to  ex- 
plain, as  to  lay  down  principles  of  explanation,  this  arrange- 
ment was  unnecessary.  The  manner  in  which  the  book  is 
intended  to  be  used  is  as  follows  : — The  explanations  under 
each  pair  of  words  having  been  carefully  and  attentively  read 
by  the  pupil,  he  should  be  questioned  upon  them  by  the 
teacher,  and  should  be  required  to  determine  under  which 
class  they  may  be  ranged  ;  then,  the  exercises  under  each 
pair  should  be  written  out,  the  pupil  introducing  the  word  in 
the  blank  space  ;  and  lastly,  other  sentences  of  his  own  com- 
position should  be  written,  in  which  each  of  the  words  is  to 
be  employed  in  its  proper  signification.  This  practice  will 
not  only  insure  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  difference 
between  the  terms,  but  also,  a  proper  application  of  the 
terms  themselves ;  and  it  will  impress  that  difference,  as 
well  as  the  principle  upon  which  it  depends,  so  strongly  on 
the  learner's  mind,  that  he  will  not  be  soon  likely  to  forget  them. 

It  would  be  superfluous  to  enlarge  on  the  usefulness  of  such 
exercises  as  those  here  presented  to  the  learner,  were  it  not 
that  this  is  the  first  occasion,  as  far  as  the  author  is  aware 
that  a  practical  work  on  English  synonymes  has  been  offered 
to  the  public.  An  admission  that  something  of  the  sort  is  a 
desideratum,  does  not,  however,  amount  to  a  conviction  that  it 
is  necessary,  on  the  same  principle  that  it  is  much  easier  to 
allow  that  we  are  in  the  wrong,  than  to  set  about  doing  right. 
It  may  be  therefore  proper  to  make  some  remarks  on  the  ef- 
fect which  a  systematic  study  of  synonymy  is  likely  to  have, 
not  only  on  the  language  and  style  of  the  student,  but  also  as 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  17 

regards  the  general  improvement  of  his  mind  and  his  habits  of 
thinking. 

Coleridge,  in  whose  writings  we  may  perhaps  gather  a 
greater  nmnber  of  valuable  hints  on  education  than  from  any- 
other  modern  author,  says,  in  the  Preface  to  his  "  Aids  to  Re- 
flection," that  a  leading  object  of  this  work  was  "  to  direct  the 
reader's  attention  to  the  value  of  the  science  of  words,  their 
use  and  abuse,  and  the  incalculable  advantage  of  using  them 
appropriately,  and  with  a  distinct  knowledge  of  their  primary, 
derivative,  and  metaphorical  senses  ;  and  in  furtherance  of 
this  object,  I  have  neglected  no  occasion  of  enforcing  the 
maxim,  that  to  expose  a  sophism,  and  to  detect  the  equivocal 
or  double  meaning  of  a  word,  is,  in  the  great  majority  of  cases, 
one  and  the  same  thing."  And,  further,  addressing  the  read- 
er, he  says  :  "  Reflect  on  your  own  thoughts,  actions,  cir- 
cumstances, and — which  will  be  of  especial  aid  to  you  in 
forming  a  habit  of  reflection — accustom  yourself  to  reflect  on 
the  words  you  use,  hear,  or  read ;  their  birth,  derivation,  histo- 
ry, Sfc.  For  if  words  are  not  things,  they  are  living  powers 
by  which  the  things  of  most  importance  to  mankind  are  ac- 
tuated, combined,  and  humanized." 

When  we  reflect  on  the  circumstances  in  which  all  children 
are  of  necessity  placed,  and  the  bad  example  they  continually 
have  before  them,  in  respect  of  language,  from  servants  and 
others,  it  is  not  surprising  that  they  begin  at  an  early  age  to 
use  words  loosely  and  incorrectly.  Though,  in  this  particu- 
lar, some  have  much  greater  advantages  than  others,  all  are  to 
some  degree  aff'ected  by  this  example,  and  parents  cannot  well 
begin  too  soon  to  take  measures  to  counteract  its  effects.  If 
all  the  English  we  hear  spoken  around  us  during  our  infancy 
and  childhood  were  correct,  there  would  be,  of  course,  no  ne- 
cessity for  this  injunction ;  but  the  contrary  is  so  notoriously 
the  fact,  that  there  are  very  few  in  whom  this  pernicious  ex- 
ample does  not  produce  an  inveterate  habit,  and  whom  it  does 
not  afl'ect,  in  some  degree,  through  the  whole  course  of  their  lives. 

There  is  one  principle  in  education  which  should  nevei;  be 
lost  sight  of,  and  which,  notwithstanding  its  importance,  does 
not  appear  sufficiently  obvious  to  the  minds,  even  of  those 


y 


18  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

who  devote  considerable  attention  to  the  subject.  It  should 
be  remembered,  before  any  study  be  commenced,  that  we 
have  two  objects  in  view:  one,  and  this  of  the  greater  import- 
ance, the  effect  the  study  will  produce  as  to  the  general  im- 
provement of  the  mind ;  and  the  other,  its  practical  utility  as 
regards  human  comforts,  or  human  intercourse.  Now,  the 
latter  of  these  objects  is  that  to  which  most  men  direct  their 
attention,  whilst  the  former  holds  but  a  second  place  in  the 
opinions  of  many,  and  with  the  majority  is  considered  wholly 
unimportant.  The  strength  of  mind  to  be  acquired  by  a  cul- 
tivation of  the  reasoning  faculties  is  not  so  perceptible  to  the 
generality  of  mankind  as  those  accomplishments  which  afford 
frequent  opportunities  of  exhibition ;  and  hence  the  exclusive 
attention  paid  to  lighter  accomplishments,  and  the  comparative 
neglect  with  which  the  more  valuable  branches  of  education 
are  treated. 

The  scanty  information  given  to  young  students  in  all  our 
schools,  on  the  genius  and  character  of  the  English  language, 
would,  of  itself,  be  sufficient  to  warrant  any  writer  in  endeav- 
ouring to  promote  the  knowledge  of  its  nature  and  philosophy. 
It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  notwithstanding  this  unaccountable 
neglect  of  what  ought  to  be  considered  an  important  branch 
of  every  Englishman's  education,  there  are  few  who  are  not 
ready  to  admit  the  necessity  of  their  closer  acquaintance  with 
their  native  tongue,  and  confess  that  a  more  accurate  know- 
ledge of  their  own  language,  acquired  in  early  youth,  would 
have  better  prepared  them  for  many  duties  of  common  life 
they  now  feel  utterly  incompetent  to  fulfil.  It  is  well  known, 
that  the  usual  course  of  instruction  (as  it  is  called)  in  the  Eng- 
lish language  consists  in  making  a  pupil  learn  by  heart  the 
accidence  and  syntax  rules  in  Murray's  Grammar,  write  out  a 
few  dictation  exercises,  and  occasionally  compose  a  theme. 
But  for  the  more  essential  acquirements  in  the  language, 
nothing  is  done  ;  not  a  word  is  mentioned  about  the  philosophy 
of  construction  ;  nothing  on  facility  of  expression,  forms  of 
idiom,  formation  of  style,  accuracy  of  expression  from  a  proper 
choice  of  words,  &:c.  &c.  Again,  on  the  subject  of  versifica- 
tion and  poetry.     There  is  not  a  single  book  extant  which 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  19 

explains  the  various  forms  and  varieties  of  English  verse  in  a 
popular  manner,  and  adapted  to  early  education.  It  is  true, 
that  some  scanty  remarks  on  this  subject  are  to  be  found 
tacked  to  the  end  of  one  or  two  of  our  grammars ;  but  these 
are  mere  sketches,  and  far  from  sufficient  for  those  who  wish 
to  acquaint  themselves  with  the  forms  and  styles  of  our  best 
poets.  On  this  subject,  also,  as  on  many  others  connected 
with  early  education,  the  most  singular  ideas  prevail.  It  is 
thought  by  many,  that  an  attention  to  versification  is  likely  to 
lead  young  persons  into  the  habit  of  scribbling  verses,  and  to 
call  them  off  from  the  more  serious  duties  of  life.  It  is  for- 
gotten that  in  cultivating  an  innocent  taste,  we  are  purifying 
the  mind  from  low  and  grovelling  propensities,  instilling  a  love 
of  the  true  and  beautiful,  and  establishing  a  most  desirable 
resource  in  after-life,  and  one  of  the  best  modes  of  securing  an 
avoidance  of  vicious  or  degrading  pursuits.  The  principles 
on  which  the  present  work  is  based  are  equally  applicable  to 
a  poetical  and  a  prose  style  ;  that  is,  a  careful  choice  and 
accurate  use  of  terms  are  quite  as  necessary  in  the  former  as 
in  the  latter  form  of  composition ;  and  though  the  versifier 
must  not  expect  to  find  here  every  thing  he  wants,  it  may  be 
presumed  that  an  application  of  the  principles  here  adopted 
may  be  of  considerable  service  to  him  in  his  studies. 

But  the  importance  of  the  English  language,  both  as  a  sub- 
ject of  philology  and  of  particular  study,  is  now  becoming 
generally  acknowledged.  It  is  high  time,  then,  that  some- 
thing more  should  be  proposed  for  the  younger  student  than 
the  mere  grammatical  exercise,  or  theme.  Some  mode  of 
study  is  required  which  will  make  him  exert  his  powers  of 
discrimination  in  the  use  of  words,  and  bring  him  into  closer 
acquaintance  with  the  beauties  of  his  language,  so  that  he 
may  thereby  acquire  a  relish  for  its  characteristic  power  and 
genius.  The  attempt  in  the  present  work  to  supply  that  want 
is  published  with  a  confident  hope  that,  whatever  may  be  its 
defects,  it  may  assist  in  giving  an  impulse  to  the  study  and 
promote  the  knowledge  of  that  literature,  which  it  should 
be  every  educated  Englishman's  boast  to  understand  and  ap- 
preciate. 


30  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

SECTION  I. 

GENERIC  AND  SPECIFIC   SYNONYMES. 

The  principle  upon  which  all  the  pairs  of  words  in  this 
section  are  discussed  is  the  same  as  that  adopted  by  natural ' 
philosophers  in  their  classification  of  external  objects.  The 
whole  natural  world  has  been  divided  by  them  into  three 
heads  or  kingdoms,  viz. — 1,  the  animal;  2,  the  vegetable; 
and  3,  the  mineral  kingdom  ;  and  each  of  these  is  again  sub- 
divided into  orders,  classes,  genera,  and  species.  Though,  for 
various  reasons,  so  comprehensive  a  classification  cannot  be 
applied  to  language,  yet  in  investigating  the  cause  of  the 
difference  between  words  which  approximate  in  meaning,  we 
shall  frequently  find  it  to  depend  upon  this  principle ;  that  is, 
the  one  word  will  be  found  to  specify  precisely  what  the  other 
expresses  more  generally.  Indeed  this  occurs  so  often,  that 
it  may  be  confidently  assumed  as  one  mode  of  testing  the  dif- 
ference between  words,  and  thereby  acquiring  an  exact  know- 
ledge of  the  limits  of  each.  We  find  this  difference  between 
such  words  as  to  hury,  and  to  inter;  the  former  being  the 
generic,  and  the  latter  the  specific  word.  Whatever  is  in- 
terred is  buried,  but  what  is  buried  is  not  of  necessity  interred. 
To  inter  is  a  specific  mode  of  burying  ;  it  contains  the  same 
idea  as  that  which  exists  in  to  bury,  but  with  the  addition  of 
certain  accompanying  ideas  not  found  in  the  generic  word. 


Adjective — Epithet. 

These  words  differ  as  the  species  from  the  genus.  Every 
adjective  is  an  epithet ;  but  every  epithet  is  not  an  adjective. 
Epithet  is  a  term  of  rhetoric*     Adjective  is  a  term  of  gram- 

*  ["  Epithets,  in  the  rhetorical  sense,  denote,  not  every  adjective,  but  those  only 
which  do  not  add  to  the  sense,  but  signify  something  already  implied  in  the  noun 
itself;  as  if  one  says  '  the  glorious  sun  ;'  on  tne  other  hand,  to  speak  of  '  the  wtcnd- 
ian  sun'  would  not  be  considered  as,  in  this  sense,  erapiuying  an  epithet." 

Whately's  Rhetoric.'] 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  21 

mar.  The  same  word  may  be  both  an  adjective  and  an  epi- 
thet. In  prose  composition,  the  epithet  is  frequently  put  after 
the  noun,  as — Henry  the  Fowler,  Charles  the  Simple,  &:c.  In 
the  first  of  these  examples,  the  word  "  fowler"  is,  grammati- 
cally, a  noun ;  rhetorically,  an  epithet ;  in  the  second,  the 
word  "  simple"  is  both  an  adjective  and  an  epithet.  An  epi- 
thet qualifies  distinctively,  an  adjective  qualifies  generally. 
Much  of  the  merit  of  style  depends  upon  the  choice  of  epi- 
thets. 

iMoth.  Once  to  behold  with  your  sun-beamed  eyes, — 

—with  your  sun-beamed  eyes. 
Boyet.  They  will  not  answer  to  that  epithet. 

Love's  Labour's  Lostf  V.  2. 
Remove  their  swelling  epithets,  thick  laid 
As  varnish  on  a  harlot's  cheek.  P.  22.,  iv.  343.] 

Exercise* 

"  All  the  versification  of  Claudian  is  included  within  the  compass  of  four 
or  five  lines ;  perpetually  closing  his  sense  at  the  end  of  a  verse,  and  that 

verse  commonly  which  they  call  golden,  or  two  substantives  and  two 

with  a  verb  between  them  to  keep  the  peace." 

"  From  these  principles,  it  will  be  easy  to  illustrate  a  remark  of  the  Sta- 

gyrite  on  the rosy-fingered,  which  Homer  has  given  to  Aurora. 

This,  says  the  critic,  is  better  than  if  he  had  said  purple-fingered,  and  far 
better  than  if  he  had  said  red-fingered.^^ 

"  This  consideration  may  further  serve  to  answer  for  the  constant  use  of  ' 

the  same to  his  gods  and  heroes ;  such  as  the  far-darting  Phoebus, 

the  blue-eyed  Pallas,  the  swift-footed  Achilles,  &c." 

"  A  word  added  to  a  noun,  to  signify  the  addition  or  separation  of  some 
quality,  or  manner  of  being,  such  as  good,  bad,  &.c.,  is  an ." 

"  I  affirm  phlegmatically,  leaving  the  false,  scandalous,  and  vil- 

lanous,  to  the  author." 


A  nswer- — Reply . 
Every  reply  is  an  answer,  though  every  answer  is  not  a 
reply.  An  answer  is  given  to  a  question ;  a  reply  is  made  to 
an  accusation  or  an  objection.  The  former  simply  informs, 
the  latter  confutes  or  disproves.  When  we  seek  to  do  more 
than  inform — to  bring  others  to  the  conviction  that  the  opinions 
they  have  expressed  are  mistaken  or  unjust,  we  reply  to  their 


22  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

arguments.  Witnesses  who  are  examined  on  a  trial  do  not 
reply  to,  but  answer  the  questions  put  to  them  by  the  counsel, 
because,  in  such  a  case,  information  alone  is  required.  The 
counsel  for  the  defendant,  in  a  trial,  does  not  answer,  but  re- 
plies to  the  arguments  used  by  the  other  party,  because  he 
seeks  to  prove  that  these  arguments  are  false,  and  do  not  crim- 
inate his  client. 

iMacb. answer  me 

To  what  I  ask  you.  Macbeth,  iv.  1. 

King.  Reply  not  to  me  with  a  fool-bom  jest ; 

2  Henry  IV.,  v.  5. 
Cap.    Speak  not,  reply  not,  do  not  answer  me. 

Romeo  and  Juliet,  iii.  5. 
While  thus  I  called,  and  strayed  I  knew  not  whither, 
From  where  I  first  drew  air,  and  first  beheld 
This  happy  light ;  when  answer  none  returned— 

P.  L.,  viii.  285. 

and  Satan  stood 

Awhile,  as  mute,  confounded  what  to  say. 
What  to  reply, P.  R.,  iii.  3. 

And  what  are  things  eternal  ?— Powers  depart," 
The  grey-haired  wanderer  stedfastly  replied. 
Answering  the  question  which  liimself  had  asked,— 

The  Excursion,  iv.J 

Exercise, 

During  the  night,  the  sentinel,  hearing  a  rustling  noise  at  some  distance 
from  him,  demanded  in  a  loud  voice,  "  Who  goes  there  ?"  and  receiving 
no ,  immediately  fired  in  that  direction. 

Sir, — In to  the  statements  made  in  your  letter  of  this  morning,  I 

must  obseiTe,  &c. 

As  I  cannot  proceed  in  this  affair,  without  obtaining  information  on  these 
points,  I  shall  feel  obliged  by  your my  letter  at  your  earliest  con- 
venience. 

The  advocate,  in  his to  the  charges  brought  against  the  prisoners, 

fully  established  their  innocence  ;  and  they  consequently  were  immediately 
discharged  from  custody. 

"  Perplexed  the  tempter  stood, 
Nor  had  what  to " 

How  can  we  think  of  appearing  at  that  tribunal,  without  being  able  to 
give  a  ready to  the  questions  which  shall  then  be  put  to  us  ? 


ON    ENGLISH   SYNONYMES.  23 

Bravery — Courage. 
Bravery  is  constitutional ;  courage  is  acquired.     The  one  is 
born  with  us,  the  other  is  the  result  of  reflection.     There  is 
no  merit  in  being  brave,  but  much  in  being  courageous.     Brave 
i|  men  are  naturally  careless  of  danger  ;  the  courageous  man  is 
t|  aware  of  danger,  and  yet  faces  it  calmly.     Bravery  is  apt  to 
ii  degenerate  into  temerity.     Courage  is  always  cool  and  col- 
lected.    It  may  be,  perhaps,  said  with  justice,  that  the  French 
are  the  braver,  and  the  English  the  more  courageous  people. 

lAnt.  come  down 

With  fearful  bravery,  thinking  by  this  face 

To  fasten  in  our  thoughts  that  they  have  courage. 

Julius  Ccesar,  v.  1. 
Lad}/  P.  Did  all  the  chivalry  of  England  move 

To  do  brave  acts. 2  Henry  IV.,  ii.  3. 

Mai.  The  king-becoming  graces, 

As  justice,  verity,  temperance,  stableness, 
Bounty,  perseverance,  mercy,  lowliness, 
Devotion,  patience,  courage,  fortitude— 

Macbeth,  iv.  3. 
his  face 
Deep  scars  of  thunder  had  intrenched,  and  care 
Sat  on  his  faded  cheek ;  but  under  brows 

Of  dauntless  courage P.  L.,  i.  603. 

But,  in  despite 

Of  all  this  outside  bravery,  within 

He  neither  felt  encouragement  nor  hope. 

*  The  Excursion^*  ii. 
The  martial  courage  of  a  day  is  vain. 
An  empty  noise  of  death  the  battle's  roar, 
If  vital  hope  be  wanting  to  restore. 
Or  fortitude  be  wanting  to  sustain, 
Armies  or  kingdoms.  *  Sonnets  to  Liberty.^Ji 

Exercise, 

King  Alfred  was  conspicaous  during  the  early  part  of  his  reign,  for  tha 
with  which  he  resisted  the  attacks  of  his  enemies,  the  Danes. 


The  fii-st  check  which  Xerxes  received  m  his  invasion  of  Greece  was  from 

the of  Leonidas  and  his  three  hundred  Spartans,  who  disputed  with 

him  the  pass  of  Thermopylae. 

Richard  I.  of  England  distinguished  himself,  during  his  campaigns  in  the 
Holy  Land,  by  acts  of  the  most  impetuous . 

It  requires  quite  as  much in  a  minister  to  guide  the  state  in  safety, 

through  all  the  political  storms  by  which  she  is  beset,  as  in  a  general,  to  in- 
sure victory  to  his  country,  amidst  the  difficulties  and  dangere  by  which  he 
may  be  surrounded. 


24  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 


■  is  impetuous  ; is  intrepid. 


A  proper is  not  confined  to  objects  of  personal  danger,  but  is  pre  ^ 

pared  to  meet  poverty  and  disgrace. 


Bonds — Fetters, 
Bonds,  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  hindan,  to  bind,  means  what- 
ever takes  away  our  freedom  of  action  beyond  a  certain  circle. 
Fetters,  from  the  Saxon  frter,  is  strictly  what  binds  the  feet ; 
what  hinders  us  from  moving  or  walking.  Bonds  is  the  generic 
term.     Fett^s  are  species  of  bonds. 

iMar.  What  tributaries  follow  him  to  Rome 
To  grace  in  captive  bonds  his  chariot- wheels. 

Julius  Ccesar,  i.  1. 

King. we  will  fetters  put  upon  this  fear 

Which  now  goes  too  free-footed. 

Hamlet,  ill.  3. 
Eyeless  in  Gaza,  at  the  mill  with  slaves 
Himself  in  bonds  under  Philistian  yoke. 

S.  A.,  42. 
We  cannot  free  the  Lady  that  sits  here 
In  stony  fetters,  fixed  and  motionless. 

Comus,  819. 

Or  he,  whose  bonds  dropped  oflf,  whose  prison-doors 
Flew  open,  by  an  Angel's  voice  unbarred. 

Wordsworth.    Ecclesiastical  Sonnets 
Learn  by  a  mortal  yearning  to  ascend — 
Seeldng  a  higher  object.    Love  was  given, 
Encouraged,  sanctioned,  chiefly  for  that  end ; 
For  this  the  passion  to  excess  was  driven — 
That  self  might  be  annulled ;  her  ])ondage  prove 
The  fetters  of  a  dream,  opposed  to  love. 

Wordsworth     *  Laodamia.^l 

Exercise. 

"  Let  any  one  send  his  contemplation  to  the  extremities  of  the  universe, 

and  see  what  conceivable  hopes,  what he  can  imagine  to  hold  this 

mass  of  matter  in  so  close  a  pressure  together." 

"  Doctrine  unto  fools  is  as on  the  feet,  and  manacles  on  the  right 

hand." 

The of  affection  which   exists   between  parent  and   child  can 

never  be  broken  except  by  the  most  unnatural  and  detestable  wickedness. 

In  this  case,  I  am by  circumstances,  and,  however  unwiHingly, 

must  remain  an  inactive  spectator  of  the  course  of  affairs. 

"  There  left  me  and  my  man,  both  bound  together, 

Till,  gnawing  with  my  teeth  my asunder, 

I  gained  my  freedom." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  25 

*"•  His  legs  were  so  inflamed  by  the  weight  of  his ,  and  the  length 

of  time  he  had  worn  them,  that  when  they  were  knocked  off  his  feet, 
he  was  too  weak  to  stand,  and  it  was  with  some  difficulty  that  he  was  pre- 
vented from  fainting. 

And  Paul  said:  "  I  would  to  God,  that  not  only  thou,  but  also  all  that 
hear  me  this  day,  were  both  almost,  and  altogether  such  as  I  am,  except 
these ." 


Booty — Prey, 
Booty  and  prey  are  both  objects  of  plunder :  but  there  is 
this  distinction,  that  booty  may  be  applied  to  various  purposes, 
whilst  prey  is  always  for  consumption.  Soldiers  carry  off 
their  booty.  Birds  carry  off  their  prey.  Avarice  or  covetous- 
ness  incites  men  to  take  booty.  A  ravenous  appetite  urges 
animals  to  search  for  prey.  In  a  secondary  sense,  things  are 
said  to  be  a  prey  to  whatever  consumes  them,  either  physically 
or  morally.  Thus  : — a  house  falls  a  prey  to  the  devouring 
flames.  The  heart  is  a  prey  to  melancholy.  Misfortunes 
prey  on  the  mind. 

lYork.  So  triumph  thieves  upon  their  conquered  booty. 

3  Henry  VL,  i.  4. 
Macb.  Whiles  night's  black  agents  to  their  prey  do  rouse. 

Macbeth,  iii.  2. 
Ewes  and  their  bleating  lambs  over  the  plain 
Their  booty.  P.  L.,  xi.  650. 

As  when  a  vulture  on  Imaus  bred, 
Whose  snowy  ridge  the  roving  Tartar  bounds, 
Dislodging  from  a  region  scarce  of  prey, 

P.  L.,  iii.  433. 
And  he  was  free  to  sport  and  play, 
When  falcons  were  abroad  for  prey. 

Wordsworth.    *  Song  at  the  Feast  of  Brougham  Castle.^} 

Exercise. 

The  brigands  having  packed  all  the on  mules  which  they  had 

brought  with  them,  set  fire  to  the  premises,  and  quitted  the  spot. 

There  are  men  of  ,  as  well  as  beasts  and  birds  of ,  that 

Hve  upon  and  delight  in  human  blood. 

The  next  day,  the  town  was  taken  by  assault ;  the  ferocious  assailants 
vented  their  rage  upon  the  defenceless  inhabitants  by  massacring  them  by 
thousands,  and  pillaging  the  churches  and  treasuries  of  the  place,  in  which 
they  found  an  immense  '. 

"  A  garrison  supported  itself  by  the it  took  from  the  neighbrjaf 

hood  of  Aylesbury." 


26  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Velleius  Paterculus  states  that  tho  sum  produced  by  the  — ^  which 
Julius  Caesar  brought  f  o  Rome  was  above  fifty  millions  of  pounds. 
"  Who,  stung  l»y  glory,  rave,  and  bound  away. 
The  world  their  field,  and  human-kind  their  •■■ " 


Conduct — Behaviour. 
Behaviour  respects  our  manner  of  acting  on  particular  oc- 
casions, or  in  individual  cases  ;  Conduct  refers  to  the  general 
tenor  of  our  actions.  Behaviour  is  connected  with  the 
circumstances  of  the  case.  Conduct  is  the  result  of  our , 
habits  of  thinking,  and  the  standard  of  morals  set  up  in  our 
own  minds.  Soldiers  behave  gallantly  in  an  engagement. 
A  good  citizen  conducts  himself  on  all  occasions  wisely  and 
temperately.  Our  morals  or  temper  influence  our  conduct. 
Our  humour  influences  our  behaviour.  The  conduct  of 
Charles  I.  was  marked  by  mild  dignity.  Queen  Elizabeth's 
behaviour  was  undignified  when  she  gave  Lord  Essex  a  box 
on  the  ear. 

iBass.  -^  pray  thee,  take  pain 

To  allay  with  some  cold  drops  of  modesty 

Thy  skipping  spirit ;  lest  through  thy  wild  behaviour 

I  be  misconstrued  in  the  place  I  go  to 

And  lose  my  hopes.  Merchant  of  Venice,  ii.  3.] 

Exercise, 

The of  the  firemen  was  beyond  all  praise  ;  they  exposed  them- 
selves at  all  points  to  the  raging  flames,  and  exerted  themselves  to  the  ut- 
most to  subdue  the  fire,  which  soon  yielded  to  their  combined  efforts. 

At  the  end  of  the  half-year,  the  father  received  a  letter  from  his  son's 

tutor,  expressive  of  his  unqualified  praise  of  his  pupil's during  the 

six  months  previous. 

A  state  of  happiness  is  not  to  be  expected  by  those  who  are  conscious  of 
no  moral  or  religious  rule  for  their in  life. 

The of  the  whole  school  during  the  master's  illness  was  most  ex- 
emplary. By  common  consent,  no  boisterous  or  noisy  games  were  allowed, 
^nd  the  pupils  all  moved  about  the  house  as  quietly  as  possible,  for  fear  of 
4isturbiug  him. 

His  master  parted  with  him  wij^h  expressions  of  much  regret,  and  beg- 
ged that  he  would  apply  to  bin;  ^yl^enever  l\e  should  rec[uire  testimonials  of 
character  pr r — :. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES  27 

Custom — Habit. 
Custom  respects  things  which  are  done  by  the  majority; 
Habit,  those  which  are  done  by  individuals.  We  speak  of 
national  customs,  and  of  a  man  of  indolent  habits.  It  is  a 
custom  in  England  to  leave  town  in  the  summer  months.  It 
is  a  custom  to  eat  hot-cross  buns  on  Good  Friday.  It  is  a 
custom  to  attend  divine  service.  It  is  a  habit  to  take  snufF,  to 
smoke,  &;c.  Habits  will  often  arise  from  customs ;  for 
instance,  the  custom  of  going  to  church  may  produce  habits 
'  of  piety.  The  custom  of  driving  in  a  carriage  may  produce 
habits  of  indolence.  It  is  of  great  advantage  when  the  cus- 
toms of  a  nation  are  such  as  are  likely  to  lead  to  good  habits 
among  the  people. 

[Ham.  Assume  a  virtue,  if  you  have  it  not. 
That  monster,  custom,  who  all  sense  doth  eat 
Of  habit's  devil,  is  angel  apt  in  this  ; 
That  to  the  use  of  actions  fair  and  good 
He  likewise  gives  a  frock  or  livery 
That  aptly  is  put  on.  Hamlet,  iii.  4. 

Cor.  What  custom  wills,  in  all  things  should  we  do't, 
The  dust  on  antique  time  would  lie  unswept. 
And  mountainous  error  be  too  highly  heaped 
For  truth  to  overpeer.  Coriolanus,  ii.  3. 

Val.  How  use  doth  breed  a  habit  in  a  man ! 

Two  Gentlemen  of  Verona,  v.  4. 

upheld  by  old  repute, 

Consent,  or  custom ; P.  L.,  i.  640. 

Full  soon  thy  soul  shall  have  her  earthly  freight, 
And  custom  lie  upon  thee  with  a  weight  • 

Heavy  as  frost,  and  deep  almost  as  life. 

Wordsworth.    *  Ode — Intimations  of  Immortality.* 
The  mild  necessity  of  use  compels 
To  acts  of  love  ;  and  habit  does  the  work 
Of  reason ; 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Old  Cumberland  Beggar.^'} 

Exercise, 

The of  early  rising  is  very  conducive  to  health. 

The of  giving  money  to  servants  does  not  prevail  to  the  same  ex- 
tent as  formerly. 

Paley  has  said  that  "  man  is  a  bundle  of ." 

In  many  parts  of  Germany,  it  is  the to  dine  as  early  as  twelve 

o'clock. 

The  effects  of  good  example  and  early are  equally  visible  in  his 

conversation. 


08  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

We  have  no  distinct  account  of  the  origin  of  the  Chinese of 

cramping  the  feet  of  tlieir  women. 

The of  representing  the   grief  we  have  for  the  loss  of  the  dead 

by  the  colour  of  our  garments  certainly  took  its  rise  from  the  real  sor- 
row of  such  as  were  too  much  distressed  to  take  the  care  they  ought  of 
their  dress. 

"  The  force  of  education  is  so  great,  that  we  may  mould  the  minds  and 
manners  of  the  young  into  what  shape  we  please,  and  give  the  impressions 
of  such s  as  shall  ever  afterwards  remain." 


Comparison — Analogy. 

A  comparison  is  made  between  two  things  that  resemble 
each  other  in  their  external  appearance.  An  analogy  is  the 
resemblance  to  be  found  between  two  things  in  the  effects 
they  produce,  or  in  the  relation  they  bear  to  other  things. 
We  may  make  a  comparison  between  two  trees  or  two  men. 
because  in  them  may  be  found  an  external  likeness  to  each 
other.  The  arms  of  the  human  body  are  analogous  to  the 
branches  of  a  tree,  i.  e.  they  stand  in  the  same  relation  to  the 
body,  that  the  branches  do  to  the  tree.  The  principle  of 
analogy  operates  very  strongly  in  all  the  mechanical  arts  ; 
this  has  directed  the  formation  of  the  cupola  or  dome,  which 
is  taken  from  the  human  skull ;  pillars  from  legs  ;  thatching 
from  hair ;  tiling  from  the  scales  of  fish,  &c. 

[FZ«. you  shall  find,  in  the  comparisons  between  Macedon  and  Monmouth, 

that  the  situations,  look  you,  is  both  alike. 

Henry  V.,  iv.  7. 

the  earth 

Though,  in  comparison  of  heaven,  so  small 
Nor  glistering,  may  of  solid  good  contain 
More  plenty  than  the  sun  that  barren  shines. 

P.  L.,  viii.  92.] 

Exercise. 

There  is  something in  the  exercise  of  the  mind  to  that  of  the 

body. 

It  is  from  the  principle  of that  words  are  used  in  a  secondary  sense. 

It  is  absurd  to  draw  a between  things  which  bear  no  resemblance 

to  each  other. 

These  two  persons  are  so  unlike  in  every  respect,  that  I  am  surprised  any 
one  should  ever  have  attempted  to  draw  a between  them. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  29 

The between  the  keel  of  a  vessel  and  the  share  of  a  plough  has 

often  been  remarked  and  commonly  used. 

Plutarch  has  drawn  a between  the  characters  of  Julius  Caesar  and 

Alexander  the  Great. 

The  bark  or  outer  covering  of  trees  is to  the  skin  of  the  human, 

body. 

"  If  the  body  politic  have  any to  the  natural,  an  act  of  oblivion 

were  necessary  in  a  hot,  distempered  state." 

"  If  we  will  rightly  esteem  what  we  call  good  and  evil,  we  shall  find  it 
lies  much  in ." 


Duty — Obligation, 
Duty  has  to  do  with  the  conscience,  and  arises  from  tho 
natural  relations  of  society.  An  obligation  arises  from  cir- 
cumstances, and  is  a  species  of  duty.  No  man  is  exempt 
from  duties.  One  who  guarantees  the  payment  of  a  sum  of 
money  contracts  an  obligation.  He  who  marries  contracts 
new  duties.  Duties  are  between  parents  and  children ;  hus- 
bands and  wives ;  teachers  and  scholars,  &c.  When  we 
promise,  we  contract  an  obligation.  Duty  is  what  is  due  from 
one  to  another.  An  obligation  is  what  we  bind  ourselves  to  do 
independently  of  our  natural  duties. 

iThe.  in  the  modesty  of  fearful  duty 

I  read  as  much  as  from  the  rattling  tongue 
Of  saucy  and  audacious  eloquence. 

Midsummer- Night^s  Dream,  v.  1. 

King.  the  survivor  bound 

In  filial  obligation,  for  some  terra 

To  do  obsequious  sorrow.  Hamlet,  i.  2. 

zeal  and  duty  are  not  slow 

But  on  occasion's  forelock  watchful  wait. 

P.  JR.,  iii.  172. 
The  primal  duties  shine  aloft — like  stars ; 
The  charities  that  soothe,  and  heal,  and  bless, 
Are  scattered  at  the  feet  of  Man — like  flowers. 

The  Excursion,  ix. 

this  imperial  Realm, 

While  she  exacts  allegiance,  shall  admit 
An  obligation,  on  her  part,  to  teach 
Them  who  are  born  to  serve  her  and  obey. 

M] 

Exercise. 
"  So  quick  a  sense  did  the  Israelites  entertain  of  the  merits  of  Gideon, 

and  the he  had  laid  upon  them,  that  they  tendexed  him  the  regal  and 

hereditary  government  of  that  people." 

3* 


30  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

It  is  the of  parents  to  attend  equally  to  the  moral  and  intellectua 

training  of  their  children. 

I  feel  myself  under  so  many to  my  micle,  that  I  could  not  take  s« 

important  a  step  without  asking  his  advice. 

"  Every  one  must  allow  that  the  subject  and  matter  of  domestic 

are  inferior  to  none  in  utility  and  importance." 

The  offices  of  a  parent  may  be  discharged  from  a  consciousness  of  their 
- ;  and  a  sense  of  this  is  sometimes  necessary  to  assist  the 


stimulus  of  parental  affection. 

If  it  be  the of  a  parent  to  educate  his  children,  he  has  a  right  to 

exert  such  authority,  and,  in  support  of  that  authority,  to  exercise  such  dis- 
cipline as  may  be  necessary  for  these  purposes. 


Fear — Terror. 
Fear  is  the  generic  word.  Terror  is  a  species  of  fear. 
Fear  is  an  inward  feeling.  Terror  is  an  external  and  visible 
agitation.  The  prospect  of  evil  excites  our  fear ;  we  feel  ter- 
ror at  the  evil  which  is  actually  before  us.  We  fear  an  ap- 
proaching storm  ;  the  storm  itself  excites  terror.  Fear  urges 
us  to  action ;  terror  urges  us  to  flight.  Fear  prompts  us  to 
prepare  against  the  coming  evil ;  terror  urges  us  to  escape  it. 

IBast.  Possessed  with  rumours,  full  of  idle  dreams, 
Not  knowing  what  they  fear,  but  full  of  fear. 

King  John,  iv.  2. 

P.  Hen.  as  the  poorest  vassal  is, 

That  doth  with  awe  and  terror  kneel  to  it. 

2  Hemy  IF.,  iv.  4 

and  chase 

Anguish  and  doubt,  and  fear  and  sorrow,  and  pain, 

From  mortal  or  immortal  minds. 

P.  i.,  i.  558. 

terrour  seized  the  rebel  host, 

Id.,  vi.  647. 
Whate'er,  in  docile  childhood  or  in  youth. 
He  had  imbibed  of  fear  or  darker  thought, 
Was  melted  all  away.  The  Excursion,  1. 

those  that  roam  at  large 

Over  the  burning  wilderness,  and  charge 
The  wind  with  terror,  while  they  roar  for  food. 

Wordsworth.    Sonnets,  ^c,} 

Exercise, 

The of  some  persons  during  a  thunder-storm  is  so  great,  that  it 

takes  away  all  power  of  action,  and  renders  them  for  a  time  perfectly 
helpless. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  31 

Whatever  may  occur  in  the  mean  time,  I  have  no for  the  result. 

The  poor  boy  felt  such at  the  sight  of  this  hideous  mask,  that  w© 

had  some  difficulty  in  calming  his  agitation,  and  still  more  in  persuading  him 
that  it  concealed  a  human  face  underneath. 

She  has  been  extremely  ill ;  and  was  for  several  days  in  such  a  precarious 
state,  that were  entertained  for  her  life. 

The  ferocious  countenance  and  gigantic  stature  of  the  ancient  Germans 

at  first  inspired  the  Roman  soldiers  with  such  ,    that  Caesar  was 

obliged  to  use  all  his  eloquence  to  persuade  his  men  to  oppose  them  in  tho 
field. 

Among  the  many  motives  which  prompt  men  to  obey  the  laws,  ■  of 

punishment  is  not  the  least  strong. 

The  enemy  shot  through  the  walls  and  fortifications  of  the  town,  to  the 
great of  the  inhabitants. 


W  Fancy — Imagination, 

Fancy  is  the  power  of  combining  ideas — of  bringing  them 
together  in  such  a  manner  as  to  produce  novtd  and  pleasing 
scenes  for  the  mind  to  contemplate.  Imagination  is  the  power 
of  endowing  substances  with  qualities  and  faculties,  which  in 
reality  they  do  not  possess — of  making  them  think,  and  speak, 
and  act,  like  beings  of  another  order.  The  fancy  only  brings 
objects  together  in  the  mind ;  it  regards  but  the  outward  ap- 
pearances of  things.  The  imagination  creates ;  it  gives  in- 
terest to  the  simplest  and  most  insignificant  things,  by  invest- 
ing them  with  qualities  which  immediately  render  them  objects 
of  human  sympathy. 

iGrif.  such  good  dreams 

Possess  your  fancy.  Henry  VIIL,  iv.  2. 

The.  as  imagination  bodies  forth 

The  forms  of  things  unknown,  the  poet's  pen 

Turns  them  to  shapes,  and  gives  to  airy  nothing 

A  local  habitation  and  a  name.  Midsummer- NigM^s  Zheam,  y.  1, 

Wrapped  in  a  pleasing  fit  of  melancholy 

To  meditate  my  rural  minstrelsy, 

Till  fancy  had  her  fill. Comusy  548. 


-  that  may  lift 


Human  imagination  to  such  highth 

Of  godlike  power  1  P.  L.y  vi.  300. 

Sunbeams,  upon  distant  hills 

Gliding  apace,  with  shadows  in  their  train. 
Might,  with  small  help  from  fancy,  be  transformed 
Into  fleet  Oreads  sporting  visibly.         The  Excursion^  iv. 


32  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

-  the  glorious  faculty  assigned 


To  elevate  the  more  than  reasoning  Mind, 
And  colour  life's  dark  cloud  with  orient  rays 
Imagination  is  that  sacred  power, 

Imagination  lofty  and  refined 

Wordsworth.    Misceh  Sojmeis.'J 

Exercise. 
Shakspeare's  "  Midsummer  Night's  Dream,"  and  Pope's  "  Rape  of  the 

Lock,"  olfer  numerous  instances  of  the  elegant  and   exuberant of 

these  two  poets. 

In  Homer  and  Shakspeare, ,  the  true  test  of  poetical  power,  is 

more  abundant  than  in  any  other  poets  the  world  has  ever  seen. 

is  creative — lively — glowing ;  it  animates  all  things  which  come 

within  the  sphere  of  its  magic  influence  ; — makes  them  think,  and  feel,  and 

act,  and  suffer :  is  whimsical  and  capricious,  it  combanes  strange, 

and   sometimes   incongruous  elements.      Fairies,   monsters,   gnomes,   and 
spirits,  are  its  offspring. 

The  following  extract  from  Drayton's  "  Muse's  Elysium"  is  a  charming 

specimen  of  a  delicate : 

*  Of  leaves  of  roses,  white  and  red, 
Shall  be  the  covering  of  the  bed  ; 
The  curtains,  vallens,  tester,  all 
Shall  be  the  flower  imperial ; 
And  for  the  fringe,  it  all  along 
With  azure  harebells  shall  be  hung  ; 
Of  lilies  shall  the  pillows  be, 
With  down  stuft  of  the  butterfly." 


Haste — Hurry. 
Haste  signifies  heat  of  action.  The  word  /mrry  includes 
an  idea  of  confusion  and  want  of  collected  thoughts  not  to  be 
found  in  haste.  Hurry  implies  haste,  but  includes  confusion 
or  trepidation.  What  is  done  in  haste  may  be  done  well,  but 
what  is  done  in  a  hurry  can  never  be  done  accurately.  Haste 
implies  an  eager  desire  to  accomplish.  Hurry,  the  same  de- 
sire, accompanied  with  the  fear  of  interruption.  The  deriva- 
tion of  hurrij  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  verb  hergian  (to  plunder) 
will  illustrate  the  proper  use  of  the  word.  It  is  the  feeling 
that  accompanies  those  who  plunder  and  take  flight. 

[  Wol.  I  have  touched  the  highest  point  of  all  my  greatness 
And,  from  that  full  meridian  of  my  glory, 
1  haste  now  to  my  setting.  Henry  VIILy  iii.  2. 


ON   ENGLISH  SVNONYMES.  33 

Like  youthful  steers  unyoked,  they  take  their  courses 
East,  west,  north,  south ;  or,  like  a  school  broke  up, 
Each  hurries  toward  his  home,  and  sporting-place. 

2  Henry  IV.,  iv.  2. 

all  this  haste 

Of  midnight  march,  and  hurried  meeting  here — 

P.  i.,  V.  777-8. 
A  seemly  reverence  may  be  paid  to  power  ; 
Bu^ that's  a  loyal  virtue,  never  sown 
In  haste,  nor  springing  with  a  transient  shower. 

Wordsworth.     Sonnets  to  National  Independena 

in  the  motley  crowd, 

Not  one  of  us  has  felt  the  far-famed  sight  ; 

"*     How  could  we  feel  it  ?  each  the  other's  blight, 

Hurried  and  hurrying,  volatile  and  loud. 

Itin.  Sonne  jy,  p.  355.] 

Exercise, 

He  ran  ofFm  such  a ,  that  he  spilt  the  ink  all  over  his  dress. 

If  you  do  not  make ,  you  will  not  fiuish  your  exercise  by  one 

o'clock. 

In  our to  get  on  board  in  good  time,  some  of  the  luggage  was  left 

behind,  and  we  were  obliged  to  proceed  on  our  voyage  without  it. 

As  I  have  appointed  to  meet  my  brother  in  Paris,  on  the  28th  of  this 

month,  I  must on  my  journey,  or  I  shall  arrive  there  too  late  to  see 

him,  as  I  know  he  will  be  obliged  to  start  the  next  day  for  London. 

If  you  wish  the  work  to  be  finished  by  next  week,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
it  forward,  and  consequently  it  will  be  badly  done  ;  I  should  strong- 
ly recommend  you  to  delay  its  completion  for  another  week. 

Though  I  am  in  great ,  I  cannot  let  shp  this  opportunity  of  in- 
forming you  that  every  thing  is  going  on  to  our  greatest  satisfaction. 


A  List — A  Catalogue. 
A  list  contains  no  more  than  the  names  of  things  or  persons 
tty  be  recorded.  A  catalogue  is  a  systematic  list;  it  has  a  cer- 
tain order  which  we  do  not  find  in  a  list.  A  catalogue  is  ar- 
ranged alphabetically,  or  according  to  some  determined  prin- 
ciple. The  reader  will  now  perceive  the  difference  between 
a  list  of  books  and  a  catalogue  of  books.  A  list  of  books  will 
merely  give  their  titles,  put  down  without  any  attention  to  or- 
der. A  catalogue  of  books  will  give  not  only  the  titles,  edi- 
tions, and  dates  of  fhe  books  it  contains,  but  will  divide  them 
under  the  several  heads  of  History,  Poetry,  Philosophy, 
&c.  &c. 


34  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

iCtBs. The  kings  of  Mede,  and  Lycaonla,  with  a 

More  larger  list  of  scepters.  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  iii.  6. 

Macb.  Ay,  in  the  catalogue  ye  go  for  men  ;  Macbeth,  iii.  1 

Nor  am  I  in  the  list  of  them  that  hope.  S.  A.,  647. 

that  mournful  solace  now  must  pass 

Into  the  list  of  things  that  cannot  be  ! 

Wordsworth.    '  Vaudracour  and  Julia  '2 

Exercise, 

"  After  I  had  read  over  the of  persons  elected  into  the  Tiers  Eta), 

nothing  which  they  afterwards  did  could  appear  astonishing." 

"  In  the  library  of  manuscripts  belonging  to  St.  Lawrence,  of  which  there 

is  a  printed ,  I  looked  into  the  Virgil  which  disputes  its  antiquity  with 

that  of  the  Vatican." 

The  Roman  Emperor  Domitian  kept  a of  those  whom  he  intend- 
ed to  put  to  death.  Three  officers  of  his  court,  having  discovered  that  their 
names  were  among  those  devoted  to  destruction,  formed  a  conspiracy  against 
his  life. 

Take  the of  music  which  was  sent  yesterday,  and  make  a 

of  the  pieces  you  want. 

He  was  the  ablest  emperor  in  all  the . 

Some  say  the  loadstone  is  poison,  and  therefore  in  the of  poisons 

we  find  it  in  many  authors. 

The of  paintings  exhibited  this  year  contains  a  greater  number  of 

pictures  than  we  have  ever  before  seen. 


Manners — Address. 
An  address  is  the  mode  of  directing  ourselves  to  one  per- 
son. Our  manners  signify  the  way  in  which  we  generally 
behave.  Those  who,  in  speaking  to  others,  hesitate,  blush, 
stammer,  and  betray  a  want  of  self-possession,  have  a  bad  ad- 
dress. Those  who  loll  on  a  sofa,  whistle,  and  pay  no  atten- 
tion to  those  who  address  them,  are  ill-mannered.  Manners 
are  elegant  or  vulgar.     An  address  is  confident  or  awkward. 

lOli.  Fit  for  the  mountains  and  the  barbarous  caves, 
Where  manners  ne'er  were  preached  ! 

Twelfth  Night,  iv.  1. 

Civility  of  manners,  arts,  and  arms, — 

P.  R.,  iv.  83. 
Or  must  we  be  constrained  to  think  that  these  spectators  rude, 
Poor  in  estate,  of  manners  base,  men  of  the  multitude, 
Have  souls  which  never  yet  have  risen,  and  therefore  prostrate  lie  ? 
No,  no,  this  cannot  be  ; — men  thirst  for  power  and  majesty. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Star-Gazers.^^ 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  35 

Exercise, 

Many  persons  pay  exclusive  attention  to  intellectual  pursuits,  and  are  so 
enamoured  of  literature  or  science,  that  they  neglect  those  external  '  ■  ■ 
which  every  v^ell-bred  person  possesses,  and  which  form  an  essential  part  in 
the  character  of  a  gentleman. 

A  good is  not  to  be  acquired  by  any  fixed  rules ;  we  must  mix 

much  in  polished  society,  and  acquire  that  confidence  in  acting  and  moving 
which  the  well-educated  unconsciously  possess. 

It  is  very  possible  to  be  perfectly  well ,  and  yet  to  have  an  awk- 
ward   ;  good are  the  necessary  result  of  our  habits  of  thinking 

as  well  as  acting — they  are  the  colours,  so  to  speak,  of  our  moral  and  intel- 
lectual nature,  exhibited  externally — the  outward  effects  of  our  inward  turn 
of  thought. 

An  awkward is  perfectly  compatible  with  a  very  amiable  dis- 
position, and  is  most  frequently  found  in  those  who^  either  from  peculiarity 
of  physical  temperament,  or  from  defect  of  character,  are  of  shy  and  re- 
served habits. 

His  education  has  been  deplorably  neglected ;  he  was  so  ignorant  of  the 
lowest  rudiments  of  knowledge,  and  so  rude  in ,  that  we  found  it  im- 
possible to  remain  in  his  society. 


Negligence — Neglect. 

Negligence  is  the  habit  of  leaving  undone.  Neglect  is  the 
act  of  leaving  undone.  Negligence  applies  to  a  state  or  frame 
of  mind.  Neglect  is  applied  to  some  individual  person,  or 
thing,  to  which  we  do  not  pay  due  attention.  The  neglect  of 
our  duties  exposes  us  to  censure.  We  are  negligent  in  gener- 
als, we  are  neglectful  in  particulars.  Negligent  men  are  neg- 
lectful of  their  duties.  Negligence  is  a  quality  which  should 
never  be  suffered  to  grow  up  in  children.  The  neglect  of 
moral  culture  in  youth  leads  to  the  most  baneful  effects  in 

after-life. 

ilago.  As  when,  by  night  and  negligence,  the  fire 
Is  spied  in  populous  cities.  Othtlloy  i.  1. 

Bru.  Nor  construe  any  further  ray  neglect 
Than  that  poor  Brutus,  with  himself  at  war, 
Forgets  the  shows  of  love  to  other  men. 

Julius  CcBsaff  i.  3. 
To  tell  thee  sadly,  shepherd,  without  blame, 
Or  our  neglect,  we  lost  her  as  we  came. 

ComuSf  510. 

her  house 

Bespj&e  a  sleepy  hand  of  negligence.       The  JSawtirwon,  i.] 


36  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

"  The  two  classes  of  men  most  apt  to  be of  this  duty  (religioiis 

retirement)  are  the  men  of  pleasure  and  the  men  of  business." 

**  By  a  thorough  contempt  of  little  excellences,  he  is  perfectly  master  of 
them.  This  temper  of  mind  leaves  him  under  no  necessity  of  studying  his 
air  ;  and  he  has  this  peculiar  distinction,  that  his is  unaffected." 

"  It  is  the  great  excellence  of  learning  that  it  borrows  very  little  from 
time  or  place  ;  but  this  quality,  which  constitutes  much  of  its  value,  is  ono 
occasion  of ." 

By to  do  what  ought  to  be  done,  we  shall  soon  acquire  habits  of 


He  who  treats  the  counsels  of  the  wise  with ,  will  be  made  to  re- 
pent of  his  folly  by  bitter  experience. 

The  boy's of  his  master's  Btriet  orders  led  to  this  consequence ; 

the  stable-door  being  left  open,  the  horse  broke  loose,  and  bursting  through 
the  fence,  trespassed  upon  a  neighbour's  property. 

His nearly  caused  his  losing  the  situation. 


News — ■  Tidings. 
Tidings  is  a  species  of  news.  The  difference  between  ti- 
dings and  news  is,  that  we  are  always  more  or  less  interested 
in  tidings  ;  whereas,  we  may  be  indifferent  as  to  news.  We 
may  be  curious  to  hear  news,  but  we  are  always  anxious  for 
tidings.  We  receive  news  of  the  political  events  of  Europe  ; 
but  we  receive  tidings  of  our  friends  in  their  absence.  No 
tidings  have  been  received  of  the  steam-ship  The  President^ 
since  she  sailed  from  New  York,  in  March,  1841. 

[Cleo.  Though  it  be  honest,  it  is  never  good 
To  bring  bad  news :  Give  to  a  gracious  message 
An  host  of  tongues ;  but  let  ill  tidings  tell 
Themselves,  when  they  be  felt.  Antony  and  Cleopatra^  ii.  5. 

Mes. Lest  evil  tidings,  v^ith  too  rude  irruption 

Hitting  thy  aged  ear,  should  pierce  too  deep. 
Man.  Suspense  in  news  is  torture ;  speak  them  out. 
-S.  A.,  1567. 

-  pleading  on  the  shore, 


Where  once  came  monk  and  nun  with  gentle  stir 
Blessings  to  give,  news  ask  or  suit  prefer. 

Wordsworth.    Itiner.  Sonnets. 


-  and  talked 


With  winged  messengers ;  who  daily  brought 

To  his  small  island  in  the  ethereal  deep 

Tidings  of  joy  and  love.  The  Excursion,  iv.J 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  37 

Exercise. 

**  But  perhaps  the  hour  in  which  we  most  deeply  felt  how  entirely  we  had 

wound  and  wrapt  our  own  poetry  in  himself,  was  that  in  which  the 

of  his  death  reached  this  country." 

"  Yusef  reluctantly  took  up  arms,  and  sent  troops  to  the  relief  of  the 

place  ;    when,  in  the  midst  of  his  anxiety,  he  received  that  his 

dreadful  foe  had  suddenly  fallen  a  victim  to  the  plague." 

"  I  wonder  that,  in  the  present  situation  of  affairs,  you  can  take  pleasure 
in  writing  any  thing  but ." 

"  His  parents  received of  his  seizure,  but  beyond  that  they  could 

learn  nothing." 

"  They  have gatherers  and  intelligencers  distributed  into  their 

several  walks,  who  bring  in  their  respective  quotas,  and  make  them  ac- 
quainted with  the  discourse  of  the  whole  kingdom." 

"  Too  soon  some  demon  to  my  father  bore 
The that  his  heart  with  anguish  tore." 

"  In  the  midst  of  her  r«veries  and  rhapsodies reached  Newstoad 

of  the  untimely  death  of  )  -^rd  Byron." 


An  Ociision — An  Opportunity, 

Opportunities  are  particular  occasions.  An  occasion  presents 
Itself,  an  opportunity  is  desired.  Opportunities  spring  out  of 
occasions.  When  the  circumstances  of  an  occasion  are  fa- 
vourable to  our  purpose,  the  occasion  produces  the  opportunity. 
We  may  have  frepent  occasion  to  converse  with  a  person, 
without  getting  an  opportunity  of  speaking  to  him  on  some 
particular  subject.  We  act  as  the  occasion  may  require  ;  we 
jiTibrace  or  imprive  an  opportunity. 

[Ham.  How  all  occasions  do  inform  against  me 
And  spur  my  dull  revenge  !  Hamlet^  iv.  4. 

Rom   Farewell !    I  will  omit  no  opportunity, 
That  may  convey  my  greetings,  love,  to  thee. 

Romeo  and  Juliet^  iii.  5. 

zeal  and  duty  are  not  slow 

But  on  occasion's  forelock  watchful  wait. 

P.  E.,  iii.  173 
And  opportunity  I  here  have  had 
To  try  thee,  sift  thee,  and  confess  have  found  thee 
9roof  against  all  temptation.  Id.  iv.  531. 

s  placable— because  occasions  rise 
So  often  that  demand  such  sacrifice. 

Wordsworth.    ♦  Character  of  the  Happy  Warrior.* 

4 


38  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Turning,  for  them  who  pass,  the  common  dust 

Of  servile  opportunity  to  gold ; 

Filling  the  soul  with  sentiments  august — 

The  beautiful,  the  brave,  the  holy,  and  the  just  I 

*  Desultory  Stanzas,^  p.  269!] 

Exercise. 

**  Waller  preserved  and  won  his  life  from  those  who  were  most  resolved 

to  take  it,  and  in  an in  which  he  ought  to  have  been  ambitious  to 

lose  it." 

"  If  a  philosopher  has  lived  any  time,  he  must  have  had  ample - 

of  exercising  his  meditations  on  the  vanity  of  all  sublunary  conditions." 

"  'Tis  hard  to  imagine  one's  self  in  a  scene  of  greater  horror  than  on  such 

an ,  and  yet  (shall  I  own  it  to  you  ?)  though  I  was  not  at  all  willing 

to  be  drowned,  I  could  not  forbear  being  entertained  at  the  double  distress 
of  a  fellow-passenger." 

*'  At  the  Louvre,  I  had  the of  seeing  the  Kmg,  accompanied  by 

the  Duke  Regent." 

Have  you  ever  heard  what  was  the and  beginning  of  this  custom? 

"  A  wise  man  will  make  more than  he  finds.     Men's  behaviour  -* 

should  be  like  their  apparel,  not  too  strait,  but  free  for  exercise." 

"  Neglect  no of  doing  good,  nor  check  thy  desire  of  doing  it  "by  a 

vain  fear  of  what  may  happen." 


A  Picture — A  Painting. 
A  picture  is  a  representation  of  objects.  A  painting  is  a 
representation  by  means  of  colour.  Colour  is  essential  to  a 
painting,  though  not  to  a  picture.  Every  painting  is  a  picture, 
because  it  represents  something ;  but  every  picture  is  not  a 
painting,  because  every  picture  is  not  painted.  Form,  draw- 
ing, outline,  composition,  are  the  essentials  of  the  picture : 
these,  together  with  the  colouring,  make  up  the  painting.  In 
a  secondary  sense,  the  same  distinction  is  to  be  observed. 
The  poet  paints  in  glowing  colours.  The  historian  draws  a 
lively  picture. 

{Bora.  sometime,  fashioning  them  like  Pharaoh's  soldiers  in  the  reechy 

painting.  Much  Ado  About  Nothings  iii.  3 

K.  Phi. they  were  besmeared  and  overstained 

With  Slaughter's  pencil ;  where  revenge  did  paint 
The  fearful  diflference  of  incensed  kings. 

King  John,  iii,  1. 
Ham.  Look  here  upon  this  picture,  and  on  this : 
The  counterfeit  presentment  of  two  brothers. 

Hamletf  iii.  4. 


ON  ENGLISH   SYNONYMES.  39 


•  beautiful  as  when  first 


The  appropriate  Picture,  fresh  from  Titian's  hand 

Graced  the  Refectory Wordsworth,  p.  384.] 

Exercise. 

The  historian  draws  such  a  lively of  the  follies  and  vices  of  that 

period,  that  it  is  impossible  to  read  his  account  without  taking  a  deep  interest 
in  the  events  which  he  relates. 

The  art  of  mixing  colours,  as  applied  by  the  old  masters  in  their  old 
< s,  is  now  lost  to  the  world. 

Most  children  are  delighted  with -,  and  many  will  pore  over  them 

with  rapture  for  hours  together. 

You  cannot  easily to  yourself  any  thing  more  unpleasant  than  my 

situation.  In  a  foreign  country,  far  from  home  and  friends,  and  without 
money,  I  should  have  perished  for  want,  had  it  not  been  for  some  benevolent 
merchants,  who  pitied  my  forlorn  condition  and  supplied  my  necessities  till  I 
should  receive  remittances  from  England. 

The  prize  destined  for  him  who  should  make  the  greatest  improvement  in 

drawing,  was  a  beautiful  water-colour by  a  first-rate  artist,  mounted 

I  and  set  in  an  elegant  gold  frcime. 


A  Pillar — A  Column, 

A  pillar  is  a  supporting  pile.  A  column  is  a  round  pillar. 
A  pillar  is  smaller  than  a  column.  Columns  may  or  may  not 
support  the  roofs  or  arches  of  buildings.  Pillars  are  always 
used  in  the  sense  of  supporters.  Pillars  may  be  square, 
or  even  triangular  ;  columns  are  always  round.  We  say 
"  Nelson's  column,"  the  "  Duke  of  York's  column,"  but  the 
Doric  or  Ionic  pillar.  We  say  a  column  of  smoke,  because  it 
assumes  a  round  form.  Roundness  is  the  distinguishing  char- 
acteristic of  the  column. 

[Wol.  from  these  shoulders 

These  ruined  pillars,  out  of  pity,  taken 

A  load  would  sink  a  navy.  Henry  VIII.  ^  iii.  2. 

Built  like  a  temple,  where  pilasters  round 

Were  set,  and  Doric  pillars  overlaid 

With  golden  architrave P.  L.,  i.  714. 

As  in  a  fiery  column  charioting 

His  godlike  presence 5".  A.^  27. 

Like  pillars  fixed  more  firmly,  as  might  seem, 

And  more  secure,  by  very  weight  of  all 

That,  for  support,  rests  on  them  ;         The  Excursiorty  r. 


40  PRACTXSAL  EXERCISES 

Oft  is  the  medal  faithful  to  its  trast 

When  temples,  columns,  towers  are  laid  in  dust ; 

And  'tis  a  common  ordinance  of  fate 

That  things  obscure  and  small  outlive  the  great. 

*  Inscriptions.*} 

Exercise. 

"  Withdraw  religion,  and  you  shake  all  the of  morality." 

*'  Some  of  the  old  Greek and  altars  were  brought  from  the  ruini 

of  Apollo's  temple  at  Delos." 

"  The  palace  built  by  Pious  vast  and  proud, 

Supported  on  a  hundred stood." 

"  The  whole  weight  of  any of  the   atmosphere,  as  likewise  the 

specific  gravity  of  its  bases,  are  certainly  known  by  many  experiments." 
"  A  simultaneous  crash  resounded  through  the  city,  as  down  toppled 

many  a  roof  and !  the  lightning,  as  if  caught  by  the  metal,  lingered 

an  instant  on  the  imperial  statue — then  shivered  bronze  and I" 

"  Ev'n  the  best  must  own 

"  Patience  and  resignation  are 

"  Of  human  peace  on  earth." 

"  Round  broken clasping  ivy  twined." 

"  I  charge  you  by  the  law, 

"  Whereof  you  are  a  well  deserving , 

"  Proceed  to  judgment." 


P  opulace — Moh . 

Populace  is  from  the  Italian  popolazzo,  and  signifies  the 
lowest  orders  of  the  people  taken  collectively.  Moh,  from  the 
Latin  mobilis,  moveable,  characterizes  the  fickleness  of  the  * 
populace.  Both  the  words  signify  an  assemblage  of  the  peo- 
ple. When  the  lower  orders  meet  peaceably,  and  disperse 
quietly,  they  are  the  populace.  When  the  populace  commit 
excesses,  riot,  or  act  tumultuously,  they  become  the  mob. 
The  populace  are  vulgar,  illiterate,  and  unrefined.  A  mob  is 
noisy,  riotous,  and  tumultuous. 

Exercise. 

"  The  tribunes  and  people,  having  subdued  all  competitors,  began  the  last 
game  of  a  prevalent ,  to  choose  themselves  a  master." 

Ab  the began  to  shew  symptoms  of  a  riotous  disposition,  a  body 

of  police  was  ordered  to  the  spot,  to  prevent  any  outbreak. 

Instead,  however,  of  displaying  any  signs  of  dissatisfaction,  the 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  41 

received  them  with  three  hearty  cheers,  and  the  very  best  understanding 
prevailed  during  the  whole  day,  between  the  people  and  the  civil  authorities. 

"  By  the  senseless  and  insignificant  clink  of  misapplied  words,  some  rest- 
less demagogues  had  inflamed  the  minds  of  the  sottish to  a  strange, 

unaccountable  abhorrence  of  the  best  oL  men." 

When  the  new  member  reached  the  gates  of  the  town,  he  was  received 

with  deafening  cheers  by  the ,  who,  miharnessing  the  horses  from 

tis  carriage,  dragged  him  to  his  hotel  in  the  market-place. 

Several  women  and  children,  getting  into  the  thickest  of  the  crowd,  were 
much  bruised  by  the before  they  could  extricate  themselves. 


Posture — Attitude. 
An  attitude  is  an  expression  of  internal  feeling  by  that  dis- 
position of  the  limbs  which  is  naturally  suited  to  such  an  ex- 
pression. A  posture  designates  no  more  than  the  visible  posi- 
tion of  the  body.  We  therefore  speak  of  a  horizontal  posture, 
an  erect  posture,  or  a  sleeping  posture  :  and  of  an  attitude  of 
despair,  an  attitude  of  melancholy.  If  a  painter  wished  to 
represent  a  figure  in  an  attitude  of  devotion,  he  would  draw 
him  in  a  kneeling  posture,  with  joined,  outstretched  hands,  and 
eyes  uplifted  to  heaven.  An  attitude  always  implies  expres- 
sion ;  a  posture,  in  itself,  has  none.  The  attitude  is  the  pos- 
ture, with  expression. 

iBru.  As  if  that  whatSQCver  god,  who  leads  him, 
Were  slily  crept  into  his  human  powers, 
And  gave  liim  graceful  posture.  Coriolanus,  ii.  1. 

Or  in  this  abject  posture  have  ye  sworn 
To  adore  the  Conquerour  1  P.  L.,  i.  322. 

That  posture,  and  the  look  of  filial  love 
Thinking  of  past  and  gone Wordsworth,  p.  384.] 

Exercise, 

'   The  bishop  was  kneeling  at  the  altar  in of  the  deepest  devotion, 

and  was  so  absorbed  in  meditation,  that  he  did  not  hear  the  assassins'  steps 
in  the  cathedral  till  they  were  quite  close  to  him. 

In  this of  affairs,  he  determined  no  longer  to  hold  out  against  the 

demands  of  the  council. 

He  was  shut  up  for  three  days  in  a  dark  closet,  which  was  so  small,  that 
he  was  forced  to  remain  the  whole  time  in  a  most  inconvenient * 

The  other  nations,  which  had  hitherto  stood  well-afFected  towards  him, 

now  began  to  assume  a  threatening ,  and  he  soon  found  himself 

hemmed  in  on  every  side  by  formidable  enemies. 

4# 


42  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

It  is  certain  that  no  poet  has  given  more  graceful  and  attractive  images 
of  beauty  than  Milton  in  his  various  portraits  of  Eve,  each  in  a  new  situa- 
tion and . 


Praise — Applause. 
Praise  is  the  general,  and  applause  the  specific  term  for  the 
expression  of  our  approbation.  There  is  less  reflection  in  ap- 
plause than  in  praise.  We  applaud  from  impulse.  There  is 
reason  in  our  praise.  A  man  is  praised  for  his  general  con- 
duct, his  steadiness,  sobriety,  &c.  He  is  applauded  for  some 
particular  action.  Applause  is  spontaneous,  and  called  forth 
by  circumstances.  We  applaud  one  who  saves  a  fellow-crea- 
ture from  drowning.  We  praise  a  boy  for  his  attention  to 
study,  and  obedience  to  his  superiors. 

I  Ant.  I  come  to  bury  Caesar,  not  to  praise  him. 

Julius  Ccesar,  iii.  2. 
Arch.  O  thou  fond  many !  with  what  loud  applause 
Didst  thou  beat  heaven  with  blessing  Bolingbroke. 

2  Henry  IV.,  i.  3. 
Millions  of  spiritual  creatures  walk  the  earth 
Unseen,  both  when  we  wake,  and  when  we  sleep : 
All  these  with  ceaseless  praise  his  works  behold 
Both  day  and  night.  P.  L.,  iv.  679 

as  the  sound  of  waters  deep, 

Hoarse  murmur  echoed  to  liis  words  applause 
Through  the  infinite  host.  jd.,  v.  873. 

On  him  and  on  his  high  endeavour 
The  light  of  praise  shall  shine  forever ! 

Wordsworth.    *  Tlie  White  Dog  of  Rylstone 
For  him,  who  to  divinity  aspired 
Not  on  the  breath  of  popular  applause, 
But  through  dependence  on  the  sacred  laws, 

*  Dion.'] 

Exercise. 

It  is  far  better  to  secure  for  ourselves  the of  the  wise  and  judicious 

than  the of  the  multitude. 

This  statement  was  received  by  the  people  with  shouts  of ,  and 

preparations  were  immediately  made  for  the  proper  reception  of  this  distin- 
guished visiter. 

The of  so  eminent  a  scholar  was  for  him  a  higher  gratification 

than  all  the  success  he  had  met  with. 

The  resolution  met  with  general . 

fie  was  much not  only  for  his  diligence  and  regularity,  but  also 

for  his  general  good  conduct. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  43 

"  I  would thee  to  the  very  echo, 

That  should again." 

How  many  are  greedy  of  public ,  and  how  Httle  do  they  taste  it 

when  they  have  it ! 

The  justice  and  moderation  he  discovered  in  the  administration  of  the  af- 
fairs of  the  island  gained  him  the and  esteem  of  the  inhabitants 

during  the  whole  time  he  resided  among  them  as  governor. 


Robber — Thief. 
A  robber  attacks  us  openly  and  takes  away  our  property  by 
Imain  force.  A  thief  enters  our  house  in  the  dark,  conceals 
himself,  and  takes  away  our  property  by  stealth.  The  robber 
plunders ;  the  thief  steals.  The  robber  employs  violence  ;  the 
thief,  guile  for  the  same  purpose.  The  robber  braves  the  laws  ; 
the  thief  fears  detection.  An  active  police  may  prevent  the 
frequent  occurrence  of  robbery ;  but  thieves  are  more  difficult 
to  catch  than  robbers  :  nothing  but  an  improved  tone  of  moral- 
jity  will  entirely  banish  thieving. 

IK.  Rich. when  the  searching  eye  of  heaven  is  hid 

Behind  the  globe,  and  lights  the  lower  world, 
Then  thieves  and  robbers  range  abroad  unseen. 
p  Rich.  II.,  in.  2. 

Duke.  The  robbed,  that  smiles,  steals  something  from  the  thief. 
1  Othelloy  i.  3. 

K.  Hen.  that  have  before  gored  the  gentle  bosom  of  peace  with  pillage  &nd 

^lobberv.  Henry  V.,  iv.  1. 

I  Some  roving  robber  calling  to  his  fellows. 

ComuSf  485. 

as  a  thief,  bent  to  unheard  the  cash 

Of  some  rich  burgher,  whose  substantial  doors 
Cross-barred  and  bolted  fast,  fear  no  assault, 
In  at  the  window  climbs,  or  o'er  the  tiles : 
So  clomb  this  first  grand  thief  into  God's  fold. 

P.  L.,  iv.  188. 
He  met  a  traveller,  robbed  him,  shed  his  blood ; 
And  when  the  miserable  work  was  done. 
He  fled,  a  vagrant  since,  the  murderer's  fate  to  shun. 

Wordsworth.    *  Guilt  and  SorrouK* 

a  heap  of  dry  leaves, 

That  he's  left,  for  a  bed,  to  beggars  or  thieves. 

Id.  p.  55.] 

Exercise. 

During  fne  night,  when  all  were  asleep,  some had  entered  the 

house,  and  stolen  plate  and  jewels  to  a  large  amount. 


44  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Travellers  in  the  mountains  of  Italy  are  frequently  stopped  by , 

and  stripped  of  all  their  property. 

The  country,  which  is  very  thinly  inhabited,  is  infested  with  bands  of 
■  who  attack  travellers  in  the  open  day,  and  escape,  almost  without 


fear  of  detection,  to  the  mountain  fastnesses  with  which  the  whole  of  this 
region  abounds. 

"  Take  heed,  have  open  eye,  for do  foot  by  night." 

What  was  his  surprise,  on  his  return,  to  find  that  his  desk  and  trunks  had 

been  broken  open  by in  his  absence,  and  plundered  of  every  thing 

valuable  they  contained ! 

The  whole  of  the  property  was  taken  from  the  warehouse  between  twelve 
and  one  o'clock,  while  the  workmen  were  gone  to  dinner ;  and  though  every 
attempt  has  been  made  to  discover  the ,  we  have  been  as  yet  unsuc- 
cessful. 


Safety — Security. 

Those  who  are  out  of  danger  are  in  safety :  those  who  are 
beyond  the  reach  of  danger  are  in  security.  Safety  regards 
the  present  moment  with  respect  to  the  past ;  security  regards 
the  future  as  well  as  the  present.  Security  implies  the  ab- 
sence of  all  apprehension ;  safety  merely  imports  the  absence 
of  danger.  Those  who  are  in  a  vessel  during  a  storm  at  sea 
are  not  in  safety  during  the  storm,  nor  are  they  in  security 
from  the  dangers  of  the  sea  till  they  have  reached  the  shore. 
Money  is  placed  in  fire-proof  boxes  for  security. 

iHot  out  of  this  nettle,  danger,  we  pluck  this  flower  safety. 

1  Hen.  IV.,  il.  3. 
Eno.  Give  up  yourself  to  chance  and  hazard. 
From  firm  security.  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  ni.  7. 

with  like  safety  guided  down. 

Return  me  to  my  native  element.        P.  i.,  vii.  15. 

in  a  place 

Less  warranted  than  this,  or  less  secure, 
I  cannot  be,  that  I  should  fear  to  change  it. 

Camus,  327. 
Half  of  a  vessel,  half— no  more ;  the  rest 
Had  vanished,  swallowed  up  with  all  that  there 
Had  for  the  common  safety  striven  in  vain, 
Or  thither  thronged  for  refuge. 

WoRDSvt'ORTH.     '  Grace  Darling.* 

O  human  life 

That  never  art  secure  from  dolorous  change ! 
*  Epitaphs.'''^ 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  45 

Exercise, 

"  It  cannot  be for  any  man  to  walk  upon  a  precipice  and  to  be 

always  on  the  very  border  of  destruction." 

"  No  man  can  rationally  account  himself unless  he  could  com- 
mand all  the  chances  of  the  world." 

"  For,  as  Rome  itself  is  built  on  an  exhausted  volcano,  so  in  similar 

the  inhabitants  of  the  south  tenanted  the  green  and  vine-clad  places  around 
a  volcano  whose  fires  they  believed  at  rest  for  ever." 

"  I  am  now,  my  dear  sister ly  arrived  at  Vienna,  and,  I  thank 

God,  have  not  at  all  suffered  in  my  health,  nor,  what  is  dearer  to  me,  in  that 
of  my  child,  by  all  our  fatigues." 

"  Whether  any  of  the  reasonings  are  inconsistent,  I ly  leave  to  the 

judgment  of  the  reader." 

"As  long  as  he  was  rich,  none  pried  into  his  conduct;  he  pursued  the 
dark  tenor  of  his  way  undisturbed  and ." 

"  Who  is  there  that  hath  the  leisure  and  means  to  collect  all  the  proofs 

concerning  most  of  the  opinions  he  has,  so  as ly  to  conclude  that  he 

hath  a  clear  and  full  view  ?" 


Shape — Form, 

The  form  of  a  thing  is  what  results  from  the  arrangement  of 
the  parts  of  its  substance,  and  includes  not  only  its  exterior 
surface,  but  also  its  internal  solidity.  Shape  refers  to  the  en- 
tire surface  of  the  form ;  not  merely  its  outline,  but  its  whole 
superficies.  The  form  includes  length,  breadth,  and  thick- 
ness. The  shape  is  merely  what  we  can  see  of  the  outside. 
A  marble  has  the  form  of  a  sphere,  i,  e.  the  qualities  of  rotun- 
dity and  solidity.  It  has  the  shape  of  a  sphere,  because  it  pre- 
sents a  spherical  surface  to  the  eye  or  touch. 

iLion.  In  every  lineament,  branch,  shape  and  form. 

Much  Ado  About  Nothing,  V.  1. 

Mer.  In  shape  no  bigger  than  an  agate-stone 
On  the  fore-finger  of  an  alderman.      Romeo  and  Juliet j  i.  4. 

Mac.  I  see  thee  yet,  in  form  as  palpable 
As  this,  which  now  I  draw.  Macbeth,  ii.  1. 

he,  above  the  rest, 

In  shape  and  gesture  proudly  eminent. 

Stood  like  a  tower  ;  his  form  had  yet  not  lost 

All  her  original  brightness,  nor  appeared 

Less  than  archangel  ruined, P.  L.,  i.  590. 


4d  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Till  oft  converse  with  heavenly  habitants 

Begin  to  cast  a  beam  on  the  outward  shape, 

The  unpolluted  temple  of  the  mind, 

And  turns  it  by  degrees  to  the  soul's  essence, 

Till  all  be  made  immortal.  Comusy  400 

In  his  deportment,  shape,  and  mien  appeared 

Elysian  beauty,  melancholy  grace. 

Brought  from  a  pensive  though  a  happy  place. 

Wordsworth.    *  Laodamia » 

which  spans  the  lake, 

Just  at  the  point  of  issue,  where  it  fears 
The  form  and  motion  of  a  stream  to  take ; 
Where  it  begins  to  stir,  yet  voiceless  as  a  snake. 

*  Desultory  Stanzas  Jl 

Exercise, 

"  God man  out  of  the  dust  of  the  ground." 

Philosophers  describe  the  earth  as  having  the of  an  orange,  that  is^ 

like  a  flattened  sphere. 

"  The  first  watches  were  not  made  round  as  they  are  now,  but  were  of 
an  oval ,  and  were  called  Nuremberg  eggs." 

"  Fathers  and  mothers,  friends  and  relations,  seem  to  have  no  other  wish 

towards  the  little  girl,  but  that  she  may  have  a  fair  skin,  a  fine y 

dress  well,  and  dance  to  admiration." 

"  Gold  will  endure  a  vehement  fire  without  any  change,  and  after  it  has 
been  divided  by  corrosive  liquors  into  invisible  parts,  yet  may  presently  be 
precipitated,  so  as  to  appear  again  in  its " 

"  It  stood  still,  but  I  could  not  discern  the  -* thereof." 

"  The  other  — , 

If  — it  could  be  called  which  — had  none, 

Distinguishable  in  member,  joint,  or  limb." 

it  The of  the  locusts  were  like  unto  horses  prepared  for  battle." 


Talent — Genius, 

Genius  is  a  strong  bent  of  the  mind  to  some  occupation  in 
which  the  faculty  of  imagination  is  chiefly  employed.  Genius 
originates  ideas,  creates  new  forms,  new  expressions.  Talent 
is  employed  in  reducing  to  practice  the  ideas  of  others.  Tal- 
ent imitates  faithfully,  copies  correctly,  evolves  diligently ;  but 
originates  nothing.  Great  artists  are  geniuses.  Great  histo- 
rians are  men  of  talent.  We  speak  of  a  genius  for  poetry, 
painting,  music,  &c. ;  and  of  a  talent  for  mathematics,  history 
diplomacy.  In  genius,  the  imagination  is  exercised,  in  talent 
the  memory. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  47 

iClown.  Well,  God  give  them  wisdom  that  have  it ;  and  those  that  are  fools,  let 
them  use  their  talents.  Twelfth  Nighty  i.  5. 

that  one  talent  which  is  death  to  hide, 

Lodged  with  me  useless,  though  my  soul  more  bent 
To  serve  therewith  my  Maker,  and  present 
My  true  account,  lest  He,  returning,  chide. 

Milton.    Sonnets. 

ye  proud 

Heart-swoln,  while  in  your  pride  ye  contemplate 
Your  talents,  power,  or  wisdom,  deem  him  not 
A  burthen  of  the  earth  ! 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Old  Cumberland  BeggarJ 

by  science  led, 

His  genius  mounted  to  the  plains  of  heaven. 

The  Excursion,  vi.] 

Exercise, 

His unfitted  him  for  the  every-day  routine  of  ordinary  life,  and  h© 

longed  for  an  opportunity  to  distinguish  himself  against  the  enemies  of  his 
wmntry. 

The  unparalleled  cruelty  and  intolerable  severity  of  this  general  towards 

\m  soldiers  made  him  generally  detested ;  but  he  was  a  man  of  such 

that  the  state  could  not  dispense  with  his  services,  and  he  was  appointed  to 
lake  the  command  of  the  expedition. 

In  the  greatest  emergencies  the  greatest are  called  forth. 

Napoleon  Bonaparte  was  ore  of  the  greatest  military that  ever 

ived ;  and  he  was  born  at  a  time  in  which  the  most  favourable  opportunities 
for  the  display  of  his were  afforded  him. 

It  is  a  melancholy  reflection,  that  the  most  brilliant are  oftener 

jmployed  in  vicious  pursuits  than  in  furthering  the  cause  of  truth  and  virtue. 

The of  Homer  shines  like  the  morning  star  on  the  horizon  of  an- 

iquity. 


Temper — Humour, 

Temper  is  fixed  ;  humour  is  temporary.  The  former  belongs 
0  the  permanent  character  of  the  individual,  and  exercises  an 
nfluence,  for  good  or  for  evil,  over  all  the  actions  of  his  life ; 
he  latter  expresses  a  state  of  mind  produced  by  particular 
ircumstances,  and  extends  over  a  comparatively  short  space 
)f  time.  The  best-tempered  men  are  occasionally  in  an  ill- 
mmour,  and  those  of  the  worst  temper  have  their  moments^f 
jood-humour.  The  good-tempered  are,  of  course,  much  more 
requently  in  a  good-humour  than  those  of  a  contrary  disposi- 


48  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

tion.     Temper  seems  to  be  the  principle  :  humour,  its  result. 
Cheerfulness  has  been  defined — "  An  habitual  good-humour." 

iMort.  He  holds  your  temper  in  a  high  respect 
And  curbs  himself  even  of  his  natural  scope, 
When  you  do  cross  his  humour.  1  Henry  IV.,  iii.  1. 

K.  Hen.  As  humourous  as  winter,  and  as  sudden 
As  flaws  congealed  in  the  spring  of  day. 
His  temper,  therefore,  must  be  well  observed. 

2  Henry  IV.,  iv.  4 

Remember  with  what  mild 

And  gracious  temper  he  hath  heard 

P.  L.,  X.  1046. 

suggestions  which  proceed 

From  anguish  of  the  mind  and  humours  black 

That  mingle  with  thy  fancy.  S.  A.,  600. 

Some  silent  laws  our  hearts  will  make, 

Which  they  shall  long  obey : 

We  for  the  year  to  come  may  take 

Our  temper  from  to-day.  Wordsworth,  p.  362. 

his  good  humour  soon 

Became  a  weight  in  which  no  pleasure  was : 

And  poverty  brought  on  a  petted  mood 

And  a  sore  temper.  The  Excursion,  i. 

Type  of  a  sunny  human  breast 

Is  your  transparent  cell ; 
Where  Fear  is  but  a  transient  guest. 
No  sullen  Humours  dwell. 

*  Gold  and  Silver  FisJies  in  a  Vase.^2 

Exercise. 

My  friend  is  a  man  of  such  excellent ,  that  I  do  not  think  I  ever 

saw  him  in  an  ill . 

The  moment  he  entered  the  room,  I  saw  that  something  had  vexed  him, 

for  he  was  in  such  an  ill ,  that  he  seemed  resolved  to  be  pleased  with 

nothing  I  could  say  or  do. 

Since  my  cousin's  return,  I  find  her  very  much  altered ;  she  has  no  lon« 

ger  the  same  even for  which  she  was  so  remarkable,  but  frequently 

falls  into  fits  of which  make  her  far  from  an  agreeable  companion. 

He  was  a  man  of  very  grave  and  reserved ,  but  when  in  the 

,  he  could  unbend,  and  be  as  communicative  and  agreeable  as  others. 


Temp  le —  Church . 
The  gods  of  the  ancients  were  worshipped  in  temples.     The 
G8d  of  Christians  is  worshipped  in  churches.     Church  signi- 
fies the  house  of  the  Lord ;  temple  is  derived  from  templum, 
the  Latin  word  for  a  building  consecrated  to  the  worship  of  a 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES  49 

divinity.  The  word  temple,  however,  is  used  by  modern  wri- 
ters to  signify  the  place  where  God  chooses  to  dwell ;  in  con- 
tradistinction from  church,  as  conveying  the  idea  of  the  place 
in  which  he  is  worshipped.  This  may  be  illustrated  in  the 
expressions,  "  the  temple  of  the  Lord ;"  and  "  the  Christian 
church."  Since,  however,  God  is  omnipresent,  it  is  evident 
that  every  church  must  be  a  temple,  though  every  temple  is 
not  a  church.  The  leading  idea  in  temple  is  place,  i.  e.  holy 
place.  The  prominent  idea  in  church  is  worship,  i.  e.  place 
of  worship. 

The  word  church  is  frequently  employed  in  the  sense  of 
"  an  assembly  of  the  faithful,"  or  to  specify  a  sect  of  Chris- 
tians ;  as,  "  the  church  of  Christ,"  "  the  church  of  England," 
the  "  Catholic  church,"  &c.  &c.  The  word  temple  is  never 
so  used. 

CCor.  The  noble  sister  of  Publicola, 
^  The  moon  of  Rome  ;  chaste  as  the  icicle 

That's  curded  by  the  frost  from  purest  snow, 

And  hangs  on  Dian's  temple.  Coriolanus,  v.  3. 

Duke. we  have  seen  better  days ; 

And  have  with  holy  bell  been  knolled  to  church ; 

As  You  Like  It,  ii.  7 
The  great  Emathian  conqueror  bid  spare 
The  house  of  Pindarus,  when  temple  and  tower 

Went  to  the  ground ; Milton.    *  Sonnets.* 

So  since  into  his  Church  lewd  hirelings  climb. 

P.  L.,  iv.  193. 

a  Spirit  hung, 

Beautiful  region !  o'er  thy  towns  and  farms, 
Statues  and  temples,  and  memorial  tombs  ; 

*  The  Excursion,*  iv 

And  this  gracious  Church, 

That  wears  a  look  so  full  of  peace  and  hope 
And  love,  benignant  mother  of  the  vale, 
How  fair  amid  her  brood  of  cottages ! 

Id.,  vi.] 

Exercise. 

lu  the  earliest  times,  there  appear  to  have  been  very  few at  Rome, 

and  in  many  spots  the  worship  of  a  certain  divinity  had  existed  from  time 
immemorial,  though  we  hear  of  no  building  of  a  temple  to  the  same  divinity 
till  a  comparatively  late  period. 

It  is  said  that  Ethelbert,  on  his  conversion,  gave  up  his  own  palace  to  the 

missionaries,  and  the which  they  built  adjoining  it  occupied  the  site 

of  the  present  cathedral  of  Canterbury. 

The  character  of  the  early  Greek was  dark  and  mysterious,  foy 


50  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


doo^ 


they  had  no  windows,  and  they  received  the  light  only  through  the 
which  was  very  large,  or  from  lamps  burning  in  them. 

Henry  the  Second,  the  most  powerful  monarch  of  his  time,  having  ended 

his  contest  with  the ,  now  looked  forward  to  the  enjoyment  of  peacA 

and  tranquillity 


Vestige —  Trace. 
A  vestige  is  properly  the  mark  made  by  a  footstep  ;  a  trace 
is  a  succession  of  marks.  They  both  refer  to  indistinct  ap 
pearances  of  bygone  things  or  actions.  A  vestige  is  an  iso- 
lated mark.  A  trace  consists  of  a  number  of  succeeding 
marks,  partly  obliterated,  but  still  indistinctly  connected. 
Vestiges  are  scattered ;  traces  are  followed.  Vestiges  are 
points  by  which  we  may  trace.  If  a  plough  should  be  dug 
up  on  an  uninhabited  island,  it  might  be  considered  as  a  ves- 
tige of  its  former  cultivation.  If,  in  the  same  island,  the  re- 
mains of  hedges,  old  gates,  tools,  ruins  of  farm-houses,  &c., 
were  discovered,  they  might  be  looked  upon  as  traces  of  agri- 
culture. 

iPisa.  He  hath  been  searched  among  the  dead  and  living, 
But  no  trace  of  him.  Cymheliney  v.  5. 

Ere  Julius  landed  on  her  white-cliflfed  shore, 

They  sank,  delivered  o'er 
To  fatal  dissolution  ;  and  I  ween. 
No  vestige  then  was  left  that  such  had  ever  been 

Wordsworth.    '  Artegdl  and  Elidure." 

Of  that  day's  shame 

Or  glory,  not  a  vestige  seems  to  endure. 

Save  in  this  Rill  that  took  from  blood  the  name 

Which  yet  it  bears,  sweet  Stream !  as  crystal  pure 

So  may  all  trace  and  sign  of  deeds  aloof 

From  the  true  guidance  of  humanity, 

Thro'  Time  and  Nature's  influence,  purify 

Their  spirit ; '  Near  the  Lake  of  Thrasymene.*J 

Exercise. 

Many of  the  Roman  dominion  are  still  to  be  found  in  all  the  south- 
ern, and  some  of  the  northern  countries  of  Europe. 

In  many  parts  of  England, of  Roman  roads,  encampments,  and 

fortifications  have  been  discovered,  which  prove  the  state  of  perfection  in 
arts,  as  well  as  arms,  which  the  ancient  rulers  of  the  world  had  attauied. 

The  patient,  though  he  had  suffered  severely  from  his  long  illness,  was 
now  perfectly  recovered ;  and  neither  l^is  countenance  nor  frame  bore  the 


(fS  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  51 

ilightest of  the  effects  of  the  disease  under  which  he  had  so  long 

t  laboured. 

The  walls  of  ancient  Jerusalem  were  destroyed  to  their  very  foundations 
by  the  soldiers  of  Titus ;  so  that  the  prophecy  was  hterally  fulfilled,  that  not 
a of  her  former  greatness  should  remain. 


Vice — St7i. 
Sin  is  an  offence  against  the  commands  of  God.     Vice  is 
an  offence   against  morality.     Whatever  is   contrary  to  the 
j   Divine  law  is  a  sin ;  whatever  is  contrary  to  the  precepts  of 
j  morality  is  a  vice.     Sin  has  reference  to  the  relation  between 
I   God  and  man ;  vice  refers  to  the  relation  between  man  and 
I  man.     The  harm  we  do  ourselves  by  sin  is,  that  we  thereby 
j  incur  the  anger  of  our  Maker.     The  harm  we  do  ourselves  by 
vice   is,  that  we   thereby  render  ourselves  less  capable  of 
fulfilling  our  duties  to  our  fellow-creatures.     The  same  act 
may  be  both  sinful    and  vicious  ;    sinful,  because  it  is  con- 
trary to  the  law  of  God ;  vicious,  because  it  is  injurious  to 
society. 

lEdg.  The  gods  are  just,  and  of  our  pleasant  vices 
Make  instruments  to  scourge  us. 

King  Leavj  v.  3 

Cleo.  Then  is  it  sin, 

To  rush  into  the  secret  house  of  death, 

Ere  death  dare  come  to  us.  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  iv.  13     / 

K.  Hen.       is  in  your  conscience  washed 

As  pure  as  sin  with  baptism.  Henry  V.,  i.  2. 


-  for  his  thoughts  were  low  ; 


To  vice  industrious,  but  to  nobler  deeds 
Timorous  and  slothful.  P.  L.,  ii.  116. 

and  the  rebel  king 

Doubled  that  sin  in  Bethel  and  m  Dan, 
Likening  their  Maker  to  the  grazed  ox. 

Id.f  i.  485. 
Of  Man  degraded  in  his  Maker's  sight 
By  the  deformities  of  brutish  vice.       *  The  Excursionj'  vi. 
That  least  of  all  can  aught— that  ever  owned 
The  heaven-regarding  eye  and  front  sublime 
Which  man  is  born  to— sink,  howe'er  depressed, 
So  low  as  to  be  scorne  i  without  a  sin. 

<  The  Old  Cumberland  Beggar.*} 


52  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 

"  If  a  man  makes  his public,  though  they  be  such  as  seem  prin- 
cipally to  affect  himself,  (as  drunkenness,  or  the  like,)  they  then  become,  by 
the  bad  example  they  set,  of  pernicious  effect  to  society." 

"  Every  single  gross  act  of is  much  the  same  thing  to  the  con- 
science that  a  great  blow  or  fall  is  to  the  head  ;  it  stuns  and  bereaves  it  of 
all  use  of  its  senses  for  a  time." 

"  Proud  views  and  vain  desires  in  our  worldly  employments  are  as  truly 
and  corruptions  as  hypocrisy  in  prayer,  or  vanity  in  alms." 

"  Virtue  and chiefly  imply  the  relation  of  our  actions  to  men  in 

this  world  ; and  holiness  rather  imply  their  relation  to  God  and  the 

other  world." 

"  I  cannot  blame  him  for  inveighing  so  sharply  against  the of  the 

clergy  in  his  age." 

"  It  is  a  great to  swear  unto  a , 

But  greater to  keep  a  sinful  oath." 


Way — Road. 

According  to  Home  Tooke,  road  is  the  way  which  any  one 
has  rode  (?)  over.  Way  is  from  the  Saxon  wegan,  to  move  ; 
it  is  the  line  along  which  you  move.  Way  is  the  general  term, 
and  road  is  the  species  of  way.  A  pathway — a  high  road. 
Instead  of  keeping  the  high  road  to  a  town,  you  may  frequently 
go  a  shorter  way  across  the  fields.  In  like  manner,  abstractly, 
the  high  road  to  preferment  is  the  way  commonly  taken  ;  the 
way  to  preferment  is  the  one  which  any  individual  may  choose 
vO  adopt. 

iWol.  Say,  Wolsey,— that  once  trod  the  ways  of  glory, 
And  sounded  all  the  depths  and  shoals  of  honour, — 
Found  thee  a  way,  out  of  his  wreck,  to  rise  in ; 
A  sure  and  safe  one,  though  thy  master  missed  it. 

Henry  VIII.,  iii.  2. 

Orl.  enforce 

A  thievish  living  on  the  common  road. 

As  You  Like  It,  ii.  3 

Bru.  You  know  the  very  road  into  his  kindr  ess, 
And  cannot  lose  your  way.  Coriolanus  v.  1 

led 

To  God's  eternal  house  direct  the  way, 

A  broad  and  ample  road,  whose  dust  is  gold. 

P.  L.,  vii,  57^7 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  53 

She  dwelt  among  the  untrodden  ways 

Beside  the  springs  of  Dove, 
A  Maid  whom  there  were  none  to  praise 
And  very  few  to  love.  Wordsworth,    p.  77. 

Our  w^alk  was  far  among  the  ancient  trees : 
There  was  no  road,  nor  any  woodman's  path.         p.  110.] 

Exercise. 

The  nearest to  reach  the  village  is  along  the  high . 

"  The  best  and  the  surest to  accomplish  your  wish  will  be  to  en- 
gage a  master,  and  read  with  him  three  or  four  hours  a  day." 

"  To  be  indifferent  whether  we  embrace  falsehood  or  truth  is  the  great 
■  to  error." 

"  I  am  amazed,  and  lose  my 

Among  the  thorns  and  dangers  of  this  world." 

The  real to  become  rich  is  to  be  diligent  and  industrious. 

The  high to  good  fortune  is  through  the  prince's  favour. 

"  Attending  long  in  vain,  I  took  the 

Which  through  a  path  but  scarcely  printed  lay." 

"  An  old  man  who  was  travelling  along  the ,  groaning  under  a 

huge  burden,  found  himself  so  weary  that  he  called  upon  death  to  deliver 
him." 

The  traveller  had  missed  his ,  and  lost  himself  in  the  mazes  of  an 

mtricate  wood. 


Word — Term, 
A  word  is  something  uttered  or  written  which  stands  for 
something  perceived.  Every  conventional  combination  of  let- 
ters representing  an  idea  is  a  word.  We  cannot  stretch  the 
meaning  of  words  beyond  certain  bounds  ;  z.  e,  they  cannot  be 
made  to  have  more  or  less  than  a  certain  meaning,  and  in  this  , 
view  they  are  terms.  Nouns,  verbs,  and  adjectives,  are  limit- 
ed to  a  certain  meaning,  and  in  this  sense  they  are  terms. 
Prepositions  and  conjunctions,  whose  meaning  is  not  likely  to 
become  disturbed,  are  not  considered  as  terms.  The  object  of 
defining  is  to  lay  down  the  precise  meaning  of  terms,  and  show 
the  exact  limits  to  which  they  extend.  The  word  term  is 
properly  applied  in  defining.  It  is  only  to  terms  that  we  can 
apply  a  definition. 

iMacd.  I  have  no  words. 
My  voice  is  m  my  sword  ;  thou  bloodier  villam 
Than  terms  can  give  thee  out !  Macbeth^  v.  7 

5* 


54  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The  oracles  are  dumb, 
No  voice  or  hideous  hum 

Runs  through  the  arched  roof  in  words  deceiving. 

Milton.     '  Ode  on  the  Nativity 
Though  in  mysterious  terms,  judged  as  then  best. 

P.  L.,  X.  173. 

Earth  is  sick 

And  Heaven  is  weary,  of  the  hollow  words 

Which  States  and  Kingdoms  utter  when  they  talk 

Of  truth  and  justice.  The  Excursion,  v. 2 

Exercise, 

"  In  painting,  the  greatest  beauties  cannot  always  be  expressed  for  want 
of ." 

"  The  use  of  the minister  is  brought  down  to  the  literal  significa- 
tion of  it,  a  servant ;  for  now,  to  serve  and  to  minister,  servile  and  minis- 
terial, are equivalent." 

Purity  of  style  depends  on  the  choice  ol 

**  Had  the  Roman  language  continued  in  common  use,  it  would  have  been 

necessary,  from  the  many of  art  required  in  trade  and  in  war,  to 

have  made  great  additions  to  it." 

"  Among  men  who  confound  their  ideas  with ,  there  must  be  end- 
less disputes,  wrangling,  and  jargon." 

"  Those  parts  of  nature  into  which  the  chaos  was  divided,  they  signified 
by  dark  and  obscure  names,  which  we  have  expressed  in  their  plain  and 
proper ." 

It  is  an  affectation  of  style  to  introduce  many  technical into  our 

composition. 


To  augur — to  forebode. 

Augur,  from  the  Latin  augurium,  refers  to  the  superstitioh 
of  the  ancient  Romans,  by  which  they  pretended  to  predict  fu- 
ture events.  Forebode,  from  the  Sslxob.  forebodian,  signifies  to 
tell  beforehand. 

In  distinguishing  between  the  modern  use  of  these  words,  it 
is  to  be  observed  that  there  is  more  of  chance  in  augury,  and 
more  of  reasoning  in  foreboding.  Moreover,  an  augury  may 
be  for  good  or  for  evil,  whereas  foreboding  is  scarcely  ever 
used  in  a  good  sense.  It  may  be  almost  said  that  to  augur 
evil  is  to  forebode.  Again,  an  augury  is  founded  upon  outward 
appearances  ;  a  foreboding  is  founded  upon  induction. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  55 

iHam.  Not  a  whit,  we  defy  augury ;  there  is  a  special  providence  in  the  fall  of  a 
iparrow.  Hamlet,  v.  2. 

Ther.  I  would  croak  like  a  raven ;  I  would  bode,  I  would  bode. 

Troilus  and  Cressida,  v.  2. 

what  they  can  do,  as  signs 

Betokening,  or  ill-boding,  I  contemn 

As  false  portents,  not  sent  from  God,  but  thee. 

P.  K.,  iv.  490. 
And  O,  ye  Fountains,  Meadows,  Hills,  and  Groves, 
Forebode  not  any  severing  of  our  loves  ! 

Wordsworth.  *  Ode  on  Intimations,  4-c.'3 

Exercise, 

He  never  could  take  a  bright  view  of  any  question ;  but  whatever  ap- 
pearance it  might  present,  he  had  always  the  unhappy  knack  of 

some  evil  consequence  from  it. 

The  sun  rose  clear  and  bright ;  the  morning  air  was  pure  and  deliciously 
fresh  ;  pearly  drops  of  crystal  dew  stood  glittering  on  leaves  of  the  bright- 
est green,  and  all  nature  seemed  to a  happy  result  to  the  ceremony 

of  this  eventful  day. 

*'  This  looks  not  well !"  exclaimed  the  doctor,  raising  his  head  suddenly 
from  the  book  which  he  had  been  examining  with  apparently  the  most  in- 
tense eagerness  for  the  last  five  minutes — "  This  looks  not  well !  these 

characters —  no  success,  either  to  the  undertaking  or  to  any  engaged 

'i  in  it.     I  withdraw  my  name  from  among  its  supporters." 

I  saw  by  the  smile  on  his  countenance  that  he  had  succeeded  in  his 

wishes ;  and  he  soon  after  informed  me  that  every  thing favourably, 

l!  and  that  he  had  every  hope  of  obtaining  the  situation. 


'  To  bestow — to  confer. 

\      To  bestow  signifies  to  place,  or  lay  out ;  to  confer,  to  bear 

;  towards  or  upon.     The  idea  of  giving  is  common  to  both  these 

verbs.     They  differ  in  this — that  the  former  is  said  of  things 

^  given  between  persons  in  private  life  ;  the  latter,  of  things 

;  given  from  persons  in  authority  to  those  below  them  in  rank. 

i  The  king  confers  the  honour  of  knighthood.     Princes  confer 

I  privileges.     One  friend  bestows  favours  on  another.     We  be- 

I  stow  charity  on  the  poor.     It  is  also  to  be  observed,  that  these 

verbs  are  scarcely  ever  used  with  any  other  than  abstract 

nouns.     Honours,   dignities,  privileges,  &c.,    are  conferred 

Praise,  charity,  kindness,  pains,  &c.,  are  bestowed. 

LGrif.  though  he  were  unsatisfied  in  getting, 

(Which  was  a  sin,)  yet  in  bestowing,  madam. 

He  was  most  princely.  Henry  VIILf  iv.  2. 


56  PKACTICAL   EXERCISES 

Lear.  'tis  our  fast  intent 

To  shake  all  cares  and  business  from  our  age ; 
Conferring  them  on  younger  strengths,  while 
We  unburdened  crawl  toward  death. 

King  Lear,  i.  1. 

well  may  we  afford 

Our  givers  their  own  gifts,  and  large  bestow 
From  large  bestowed.  P.  L.,  v.  317. 

The  only  sign  of  our  obedience  left 
Among  so  many  signs  of  power  and  rule 
Conferred  upon  us.  Id.,  iv.  430. 

Not  to  appal  me  have  the  gods  bestowed 
This  precious  boon ;  and  blest  a  sad  abode. 

WoRoswoBTH.    *  Laodamia,* 

this  truth  believe, 

Minds  that  have  nothing  to  confer 

Find  little  to  perceive.  p.  80. 

manners  that  conferred 

A  natural  dignity  on  humblest  rank,    '  7%e  Excursion    ri  J 

Exercise. 

Princes  should dignities  as  rewards  of  merit,  not,  as  is  generally  the 

case,  with  a  view  to  secure  their  own  interests. 

I  considered  the  whole  affair  so  insignificant,  that  I  have  not  thought  it 
worth  while  to another  thought  upon  the  subject. 

Unless  you much  time  and  attention  on  the  subject,  you  will  never 

succeed  in  comprehending  it  fully. 

Wolsey  rose  rapidly  in  the  king's  favour,  and  accommodated  himself  with 
such  facility  to  all  Henry's  caprices,  that  the  highest  honours  were  ■ 

upon  him,  and  all  the  affairs  of  state  were  soon  intrusted  to  his  management. 

Great  care  was upon  his  education. 

It  sometimes  haj^ns  that  even  enemies  and  envious  persons  — —  the 
ancerest  marks  of  esteem  when  they  least  design  it. 

"  On  him the  poet's  sacred  name, 

Whose  lofty  voice  declares  the  heavenly  frame." 


To  bring — to  fetch. 
To  bring  is  to  convey  to ;  it  is  a  simple  act ;  to  fetch  is  a 
compound  act ;  it  means  to  go  and  bring.  When  two  persons 
are  in  the  same  room,  and  one  asks  the  other  to  bring  him 
something,  we  must  suppose  the  person  addressed  to  be  ne»r 
the  object  required.  In  order  to  fetch,  we  must  go  to  some 
distance  for  the  object.  Potatoes  are  brought  to  market. 
Children  are  fetched  from  school ;  i.  e,  when  some  one  goes 
to  ^rm^  them. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES  57 

iCleo.  Go  fetch 

My  best  attires ; 


-  Bring  our  crown  and  all. 

Ant.  and  Cleop.,  v.  2. 

Hesperus,  whose  office  is  to  bring 

Twilight  upon  the  earth,  P.  L.,  ix.  49. 

For  if  such  holy  song 
Enwrap  our  fancy  long, 

Time  will  run  back,  and  fetch  the  age  of  gold. 

*  Ode  on  the  Nativity,* 

a  child,  more  than  all  other  gifts 

That  earth  can  offer  to  declining  man. 

Brings  hope  with  it,  and  forward-looking  thoughts. 

WoKDSwoKTH.    *  Michoe. 

many  a  shell 

Tossed  ashore  by  restless  waves, 

Or  in  the  diver's  grasp  fetched  up  from  caves 

Where  sea-nymphs  might  be  proud  to  dwell.       p.  385,] 

Exercise . 

The  parliament,  however,  maintained  their  power  with  continued  success, 
and  the  king  was  at  length to  his  trial. 

On  the  20th  of  next  December,  just  before  the  Christmas  holidays,  my 

father  has  promised  that  he  will  take  me  with  him  when  he  goes  to 

my  brothers  from  school. 

If  you  will  call  upon  me  to-morrow  at  three  o'clock,  I  shall  be  at  homo 

and  glad  to  see  you ;  but  do  not  forget  to your  books,  as  without  them, 

|j    you  will  not  be  able  to  take  a  lesson. 

I  have  desired  the  servant  to your  brother  home  from  his  uncle's  at 

nine  o'clock  this  evening. 

On  the  evening  of  the  birthday,  the  prizes  were  all  — —  into  the  draw- 
ing-room, and  laid  on  a  large  table  ;  the  children  being  then  placed  on  forms 

arranged  across  the  other  end  of  the  room,  each,  in  his  turn,  was  told  to 

his  prize  from  the  table  and  take  it  to  his  seat. 

This  admonition  at  last  produced  the  desired  effect,  and him  to  a 

proper  sense  of  his  guilt. 

What  appeared  to  me  wonderful  was,  that  none  of  the  ants  came  home 
without ing  something. 

I  have  said  before,  that  those  ants  which  I  did  so  particularly  consider, 
their  corn  out  of  a  garret 

.N 

To  bury — to  inter. 

To  bury  is  to  conceal  in  the  earth  ;  to  inter  is  to  put  into  the 

earth  with  ceremony.     We  bury  in  order  to  coA^er  up  ;  we  in- 

vcr  from  a  religious  motive.    Interring  is  a  species  of  burying. 

A  miser  may  bury  his  money  in  a  hole  in  his  garden,  or  may 


58  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

bury  his  face  in  his  handkerchief.  Those  who  are  buried  , 
with  religious  ceremonies  are  interred.  We  can  scarcely  say 
correctly  that  a  man  is  interred  in  a  tomb  unless  the  tomb  be 
below  the  surface  of  the  earth.  Dogs  are  never  interred, 
though  they  are  frequently  buried.  To  bury  is  often  used  in 
an  abstract  sense  :  as  to  bury  animosity,  to  bury  hope,  &c. 
To  inter  is  never  used  abstractly. 

iPros.  I'll  break  my  staff— 

Bury  it  certain  fathoms  in  the  earth. 

Tempest,  V.  1. 

Kath.  although  unqueened,  yet  like 

A  queen,  and  daughter  to  a  king,  inter  me. 

Henry  VIIL,  iv.  2 
Myself  my  sepulchre,  a  moving  grave  ; 
Buried,  yet  not  exempt 
By  privilege  of  death  and  burial 
From  worst  of  other  evils,  pains  and  wrongs. 

S.  A.,  103. 
This  rich  marble  doth  inter 

The  honoured  wife  of  Winchester,      Milton.    *  Epitaph,  <J<.* 
— Call  Archimedes  from  his  buried  tomb 
Upon  the  grave  of  vanished  Syracuse, 
And  feelingly  the  Sage  shall  make  report 
How  insecure,  how  baseless  in  itself, 
Is  the  Philosophy  whose  sway  depends 
On  mere  material  instruments ;  *  The  Excursion,''  viii. 

The  corse  interred,  not  one  hour  he  remained 
Beneath  their  roof. *  Guilt  and  Sorrow.^i 

Exercise. 

The  corpse  of  Henry  V.  was near  the  shrine  of  Edward  the  Con- 
fessor; and  the  tomb  was  long  visited  by  the  people  with  sentiments  of 
veneration  and  regret. 

William  I.  caused  the  body  of  Harold  to  be on  the  sea-shore,  say- 
ing :  "  He  guarded  the  coast  when  hving  ;  let  him  still  guard  it  now  that  he 
m  dead." 

"  The  evil  that  men  do  lives  after  them, 
The  good  is  oft with  their  bones." 

It  was  formerly  the  custom  in  England  to the  dead  at  some  dis- 
tance from  any  town  or  city. 

The  ashes,  in  an  old  record  of  the  convent,  are  said  to  have  been 

between  the  very  wall  and  the  altar  where  they  were  taken  up. 

They  determined  henceforward  to  live  on  good  terms  with  each  other,  and 
to all  past  animosities  in  oblivion. 

The  house  suddenly  fell  in,  said  six  of  the  workmen  were in  the 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  59 

To  clothe — io  dress. 
To  clothe  is  to  cover  the  body  ;  to  dress  is  to  cover  it  in  a 
certain  manner.  Dressing  is  a  mode  of  clothing.  We  clothe 
1  to  protect  our  bodies  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  ;  we 
dress  in  conformity  with  the  custom  of  the  country.  The  dress 
is  all  the  clothes  taken  together.  Savages  are  clothed  in 
skins.  In  Europe,  men  are  generally  dressed  in  coats  and 
[trousers.  The  clothing,  again,  is  the  material.  The  dress  is 
I  the  manner  in  which  it  is  made  up. 

iHam.  That  no  revenue  hast,  but  thy  good  spirits 
To  feed  and  clothe  thee.  Hamlet,  iii.  2. 

Hot.  Came  there  a  certain  lord,  neat,  trimly  dressed 

Fresh  as  a  bridegroom ; 1  Henry  IV.,  i.  3 

and  his  hands 

Clothed  us,  unworthy,  pitying  while  he  judged. 

P.  L.,  X.  1059 
To  dress,  and  troll  the  tongue,  and  roll  the  eye. 

Id.,  xi.  620. 

and  in  the  stormy  day 

Her  tattered  clothes  were  ruffled  by  the  wind 
Even  at  the  side  of  her  own  fire.         '  The  Excursion,'  i. 
Delivered  and  Deliverer  move 
In  bridal  garments  drest  *  The  Russian  Fugitive.'} 

Exercise, 

Being  exposed  to  th«  rigour  of  a  severe  winter,  without  sufficient 

to  protect  him  from  the  mclemency  of  the  season,  his  health  became  so  ma- 
terially mjured,  that  he  never  again  recovered  his  strength,  and  died  in  the 
ensuing  autumn. 

The   North-American  Indians  are  generdly in  buffalo  skins,  but 

on  grand  occasions  they  decorate  their  bodies  with  a  profusion  of  feathers  and 
shells. 

The  stranger  presented  a  striking,  and  not  unattractive  appeeurance ;  he 

was in  a  Spanish  doublet,  with  sleished  sleeves,  a  dark-brown  msintle, 

carelessly  thrown  over  one  shoulder,  with  a  broad-brimmed  hat  drawn  over 
his  brow,  and  surmounted  with  a  long  plume. 

"  The of  savage  nations  is  everywhere  pretty  much  the  same, 

'  being  calculated  rather  to  inspire  terror  than  to  excite  love  or  respect" 

"  Some  writers  say  that  the  girdle  worn  by  the  ancient  Jewish  priests  was 
thirty -two  ells  long  ;  according  to  others,  it  went  twice  round  the  waist.  The. 
.«tter  account  seems  the  more  probable,  because  in  a  warm  climate,  such  ^ 
■  would  have  been  highly  inconvenient" 


60  I^ACTICAL   EXERCISES 


1 


To  calculate — to  reckon. 
To  calculate  is  the  general  science  by  which  we  arrive  at  a 
certain  result.  To  reckon  refers  to  the  details  of  calculation 
in  attaining  a  sum  total  or  amount.  Calculation  is  any  opera- 
tion whatever — not  confined  to  arithmetic  or  geometry — by 
which  a  certain  knowledge  is  arrived  at.  The  astronomer 
calculates  ;  the  statesman  calculates.  The  accountant  reck- 
ons ;  the  merchant  reckons  his  losses  or  gains. 

iCas.  Why  old  men,  fools  and  cMldren  calculate ; 

Julius  CcBsar,  i.  3. 
Ant.  There's  beggary  in  the  love  that  can  be  reckoned 
Ant.  and  Cleop.,  i.  1 
Hereafter  when  they  come  to  model  Heaven 

And  calculate  the  stars. P.  Z/.,  viii.  80 

whether  heaven  move  or  earth 

Imports  not,  if  thou  reckon  right 

Id.,  viii.  71 

to  foretell 

By  calculations  sage,  the  ebb  and  flow 

Of  tides,  and  when  the  moon  will  be  eclipsed. 

*  The  Excursion,*  vi.J 

Exercise. 

Astronomers  are  able  to         ■'      eclipses  with  astonishing  precision. 

from  the  foundation  of  Rome  to  the  birth  of  Christ,  there  are  seven 

hundred  and  fifty-three  years. 

In  chronology,  there  are  two  modes  of ;  one,  from  the  creation 

60  many  years  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  and  the  other,  so  many  years  from 
the  birth  of  Christ  up  to  the  present  time. 

The  epoch  of  the  era  of  the  Hegira  is,  according  to  the  conunon , 

Friday,  the  16th  of  July,  A.  D.  622,  the  day  of  the  flight  of  Mahomet  from 
Mecca  to  Medina. 

The  Gregorian  calendar  was  adopted  in  the  Low  Countries  on  the  15th 
[25th]  of  December,  1582 :  Francis,  duke  of  Alen9on,  having  on  the  10th 
of  that  month  ordered  that  the  day  next  following  the  14th  of  December 
should  be as  the  25th  instead  of  the  15th. 

In  England,  in  the  seventh,  and  so  late  as  the  thirteenth  century,  the  year 
was from  Christmas-day. 

The  greater  the  number  of  elements  that  enter  into  a  ,  and  the 

greater  the  discord  among  those  elements,  the  more  difficult  must  it  be  to 
arrive  at  any  thing  like  a  certain  result. 

from  last  Monday,  it  wll  be  eight  weeks  before  we  see  him  again 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  61 

To  do — 19  make. 

To  do  is  the  generic  term  to  express  action ;  to  make,  the 
specific.  Making  is  a  mode  of  doing.  We  cannot  make  with- 
out doing,  though  we  may  do  without  making.  To  do  is  more 
frequently  used  with  abstract  things  ;  to  make,  v/ith  concrete. 
We  do  right  or  wrong  ;  we  do  our  duty.  Children  make  a 
noise  ;  a  carpenter  makes  a  table.  Again,  to  do  is  a  simple 
act ;  to  make  is  compound,  as  it  implies  thought  and  contri- 
vance, and  contains  the  ideas  of  formation  and  production. 

N.  B.  Both  these  verbs  are  used  idiomatically  in  a  great 
variety  of  senses.  These  idioms  do  not,  however,  interfere 
with  the  above  explanation,  which  is  of  their  general  accept- 
ation. 

[Ari.  What  shall  I  do  ?  say  what  ?  what  shall  I  do  ? 
Pros.  Go  make  thyself  like  to  a  nymph  of  the  sea. 

Tempest,  i.  2. 
Macb.  I  dare  do  all  that  may  become  a  man ; 
Who  dares  do  more,  is  none.  Macbeth,  i.  7 

Ham.  That  makes  calamity  of  so  long  life, 
***** 

When  he  himself  might  liis  quietus  make, 
***** 

And  makes  us  rather  bear  those  ills  we  have, 
***** 

Thus  conscience  does  make  cowards  of  us  all. 

Hamlet,  iii  1. 
Virtue  could  see  to  do  what  Virtue  would 
By  her  own  radiant  light,  though  sun  and  moon 
Were  in  the  flat  sea  sunk  Comus,  373. 

The  mind  is  its  own  place,  and  in  itself 
Can  make  a  heaven  of  hell,  a  hell  of  heaven. 

P.  L.,  i.  255. 

gladsome  spirits  and  benignant  looks 

That  for  a  face  not  beautiful  did  more, 
Than  beauty  for  the  fairest  face  can  do. 

*  The  Excursion,*  rL 

to  its  gentle  touch  how  sensitive 

Is  the  light  ash !  that  pendent  from  the  brow 

Of  yon  dim  cave,  in  seeming  silence  makes 

A  soft  eye-music  of  slow  waving  boughs, 

Powerful  almost  as  vocal  harmony 

To  stay  the  wanderer's  steps  and  soothe  his  thoughts. 

WonDSWOETH,  p.  142  ] 

Exercise. 

What  are  you ?     I  am a  silk  purse  for  my  brother. 

He  who every  thing  in  a  hurry,  can nothmg  well. 


62  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Can  I any  thing  for  you  ?     Yes,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  if  you 

will  help  me  to this  cord-box. 

ing  well  has  something  more  in  it  than  the  fulfilling  of  a  duty. 

His  copy  was  written  neatly,  his  letters handsomely,  and  no  blot 

seen  on  his  book. 

Seneca  says,  our  lives  are  spent  either  in nothing  at  all,«or  in 

nothing  to  the  purpose,  or  in nothing  that  we  ought  to . 

As  every  prince  should  govern  as  he  would  desire  to  be  governed,  so  every 
eubjeot  ought  to  obey  as  he  would  desire  to  be  obeyed,  accordmg  to  the  max- 
im of ing  as  we  would  be by 


To  divide — to  separate. 

To  divide  is  to  cut  into  parts  ;  to  separate  is  to  place  thcise 
parts  at  a  distance  from  each  other.  Objects  may  be  divided, 
and  yet  near ;  to  be  separated,  they  must  be  removed  from 
each  other.  A  hermit  is  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  world. 
Society  is  divided  into  classes.  The  highest  are  separated 
from  the  lowest  classes.  A  man  may  divide  his  time  into 
hours  of  study  and  hours  of  recreation.  Divisions  are  natu- 
ral, separations  more  violent.  The  year  is  divided  into  months, 
weeks,  and  days.  Two  vessels  become  separated  in  a  storm. 
There  cannot  be  a  separation  without  a  division,  though  there 
may  be  a  division  without  a  separation. 

[Cant. therefore  doth  heaven  divide 

The  state  of  man  in  divers  functions 

Henry  V.,  i.  2. 
Achil.  The  dragon  wing  of  night  o'erspreads  the  earth, 
And  stickler-like,  the  armies  separates. 

Troilus  and  Cresaiday  v.  10 

Let  there  be  lights 

High  m  the  expanse  of  heaven,  to  divide 

The  day  from  night P.  L.,  vii  340. 

or  aught  than  death  more  dread 

Shall  separate  us Id.,  ix.  970. 

The  hermit,  lodged 

Amid  the  untrodden  desert,  tells  his  beads, 
With  each  repeating  its  allotted  prayer 
And  thus  divides  and  thus  relieves  the  time. 

'  The  Excursion,^  W. 

the  bright  immortal  Theban  band, 

Whom  onset,  fiercely  urged  at  Jove's  command. 
Might  overwhelm,  but  could  not  separate. 

Wordsworth.    ^  Misceh  Sonneii.^ 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  63 

Exercise, 

Alfred  the  Great his  time  into  three  equal  parts  ;  allotting  the  first 

^  to  prayer  and  pious  exercises,  the  second  to  business,  and  the  third  to  sleep 
j  and  refreshment. 

England  is from  France  by  the  English  Channel. 

The  river  Rhine France  from  Germany. 

Alexander  Selkirk,  from  whose  adventures  De  Foe  took  his  story  of  "  Rob- 
:  inson  Crusoe,"  lived  for  several  years  on  an  uninhabited  island  in  the  Pacific 

:  Ocean,  wholly from  human  society. 

j      Opinions  on  the  question  of  the  Irish  Union  were ,  some  holding 

I  that  it  should  be  immediately  repealed,  and  others  contending  that  the  re- 

I  peal  would  involve  a of  the  two  countries.  , 

I      Ireland  is into  four  provinces.     Ulster  is from  Munster  by 

j  the  provinces  of  Leinster  and  Connaught. 

If  we the  life  of  most  men  into  twenty  parts,  we  shall  find  at  least 

nineteen  of  them  filled  with  gaps  and  chasms,  which  are  neither  filled  up 
with  pleasure  nor  business. 


To  doubt — to  question. 
We  doubt  within  ourselves.  The  cause  of  our  doubt  is  our 
imperfect  knowledge.  When  we  question,  it  is  with  the  view 
that  our  doubts  should  be  removed.  By  questioning,  we  en- 
deavour to  remove  our  ignorance,  and  thus  resolve  our  doubt. 
Thus,  we  doubt  the  veracity  of  an  historian ;  i,  e,  the  knowl- 
edge Ave  possess  prevents  us  from  assenting  to  what  he  has 
stated.  If  we  set  about  resolving  our  doubts  by  inquiring  into 
the  truth  of  his  writings,  we  question  his  veracity.  We  may 
doubt  without  questioning,  but  we  cannot  question  without 
doubting. 

llsab.  Alas  !  I  doubt, — 

Lucio.  Our  doubts  are  traitors, 
And  make  us  lose  the  good  we  oft  might  win 
By  fearing  to  attempt.  Meas.for  Meas.,  i.  5 

Kath.         It  is  not  to  be  questioned 

That  they  had  gathered  a  wise  council  to  them. 

Henry  VIIL,  ii.  4 
Yet  doubt  not  but  in  valley  and  in  plain 
God  is,  as  here.  P.  i.,  xi.  349 

I  question  it ;  for  this  fair  earth  I  see. 
Warmed  by  the  sun,  producing  every  kind, 

Id.j  ix.  720 
While  stand  the  people  in  a  rmg 
Gazing,  doubting,  qjiestioning . 

Wordsworth     *  White  Doe  of  RyUtone 


I 


64  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 


-  holy  Star, 


Holy  as  princely,  who  that  looks  on  thee 
Touching,  as  now,  in  thy  humility 
The  mountain  borders  of  this  seat  of  care, 
Can  question  that  thy  countenance  is  bright 
Celestial  Power,  as  much  with  love  as  light. 

*  Itiner.  Sonnets.^'} 

Exercise, 

There  are  many  things  of  which  it  would  be  very  irrational  to 

there  are  also  others  which  we  may with  great  reason. 

The  Pyrrhonians  were  a  sect  of  philosophers,  who  not  only  — 
every  thing  they  saw  and  heard,  but  even  of  their  own  existence. 

I  have  never  * his  veracity,  for  I  have  too  high  an  opinion  of  1 

regard  for  every  thing  honourable  and  just,  to  suppose  him  capable  of  sayi^ 
any  thing  false. 

It  is  a whether,  if  Hannibal  had  taken  Rome,  and  destroyed  tb 

empire  of  the  Romans,  it  would  have  been  more  advantageous  for  the  hi»  i 
man  race. 

Some  truths  are  intuitive  ;  such  as,  for  example,  "  the  whole  is  greater  ^ 
than  its  part ;"  "  two  straight  lines  cannot  inclose  a  space,"  &c. :  it  would  if 

argue  a  want  of  common  sense  to such  truths  for  a  moment ;  they  \ 

are  self-evident  propositions. 

He  told  me  that  he  had  never that  the  prisoner  had  committed 

the  crime,  although  he  was  aware  there  would  be  great  difficulty  in  coa 
victing  him 


To  expect — to  hope. 
We  expect  what  we  think  will  probably  occur.  We  hope 
what  we  strongly  desire  to  happen.  We  may  expect  an  oc- 
currence which  will  give  us  pain,  but  it  is  not  in  human 
nature  to  hope  for  such  an  occurrence.  Thus,  I  may  ex- 
pect— though  I  cannot  hope — to  hear  of  the  death  of  a  dear 
friend.  Expectation  regards  merely  the  anticipation  of  future 
events  without  any  reference  to  their  being  agreeable  or 
otherwise.  Hope  is  always  accompanied  with  pleasure,  and 
is  employed  upon  those  events  which  are  likely  to  be  attended 
with  gratification  to  ourselves. 

iHel.  Oft  expectation  fails,  and  most  oft  there 
Where  most  it  promises  ;  and  oft  it  hits 
Where  hope  is  coldest,  and  despair  most  sits 

Airs  Well,  4c.,  u.  1 

Des.  These  are  portents  ;  but  yet  I  hope,  I  hope, 
They  do  not  point  aft  me  Othello,  v.  3 


I 


tJ*^^. 


.>N 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES. 


-  for  on  whom  we  sen(t 


<-i^ 


The  weight  of  all,  and  our  last  hope,  relies.        ^!^>J*  ^'^Jt^y 

This  said,  he  sat ;  and  expectation  held  ^Vv^^/  ^'' 

His  look  suspense,  awaiting  who  appeared  ^>S^^>^ . 

:  To  second  or  oppose  or  undertake  ^^>s^P''^ . 

The  perilous  attempt.  P.  L.,  ii.  415. 

Her  bosom  heaves  and  spreads,  her  stature  grows, 

And  she  expects  the  issue  in  repose. 

Wordsworth.    *  Laodamia  * 

hope,  the  paramount  duty  that  Heaven  lays 

For  its  own  honour,  on  man's  suffering  heart. 

'  Sonnets  to  Liberty  ' 

he  began  to  doubt ;  and  even  to  hope 

That  he  had  seen  this  heap  of  turf  before, — 

That  it  was  not  another  grave ;  but  one 
I  He  had  forgotten.  '  TTie  BrothersJ2 

Exercise. 

In  the  middle  of  the  night,  the  storm  raged  with  such  violence,  that 

\  none  of  the  passengers the  vessel  would  outlive  the  gale. 

The  father  had that  his  son  would  occupy  the  same  distinguished 

I  rank  in  his  profession  as  himself. 

He  was  doomed,  however,  to  be  cruelly  disappointed ;  for  he  soon  after 
;  received  news  that  his  son  was  dangerously  ill,  and  that  his  death  was 

hourly . 

Every  man one  day  to  withdraw  from  the  bustle  and  tumult  of 

the  world,  and  spend  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  quiet  ease. 

He  had that  his  friends  would  arrive  in  the  course  of  the  after- 
noon, and  had  prepared  every  thing  for  their  reception. 

My  cousin  sailed  for  India  some  months  ago :  I to  hear  soon  of 

his  safe  arrival  at  Calcutta. 

"  Regions  of  sorrow,  doleful  shades,  where  peace 

And  rest  can  never  dwell ;  never  comes 

That  comes  to  all." 
"  All  these  within  the  dungeon's  depth  remain, 
Despairing  pardon,  and ing  pain." 


To  finish — to  conclude. 

To  conclude  is  a  species  of  finishing ;  it  means  to  bring  to  a 
close  for  a  time,  implying  a  possibility,  if  not  a  probability, 
that  we  shall  continue  the  action.  To  finish  is  to  cease  from 
acting,  with  either  no  power  or  no  intention  of  resuming.  In 
reading  a  book,  we  may  conclude  when  we  come  to  the  end 
of  a  chapter  or  paragraph ;  but  we  finish  when  we  come  to 

6* 


66  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

the  end  of  the  last  page.  A  sermon  which  is  divided  into 
many  sections  may  be  conckided  on  one  Sunday,  and  finished 
on  the  next. 

Exercise. 

He his  observations  by  calling  the  attention  of  the  meeting  to 

the  marked  improvement  in  the  condition  of  the  poorer  classes  in  that  part 
of  the  comitry. 

I  have  not  yet  quite reading  the  book  you  were  kind  enough  to 

lend  me ;  but  I  have  already  begun  the chapter,  and  I  hope  to  re- 
turn you  the  volume  by  to-morrow  (Evening. 

According  to  the  established  rules  of  the  society,  the  competitors  had 

all their  pictures,   and  sent  them  in  for  exhibition  by  the  1st  of 

May. 

The  prizes  were  distributed  among  the  successful  candidates,  after  which, 
the  members  of  the  society  dined  together  ;  and  the  entertainments  of  the 
day  were by  a  dance. 

Every  evening,  after  his  daily  labour  was ,  he  occupied  him- 
self in  reading  ;  his  master  kindly  supplying  him  with  books  from  his  own 
library. 

This  exercise  must  be before  five  o'clock. 

The  great  work  of  which  Justinian  has  the  credit,  although  it  com- 
prehends the  whole  system  of  jurisprudence,  was ,  we  are  told,  in 

three  years. 

"  Destruction  hangs  on  every  word  we  speak, 

On  every  thought,  till  the ing  stroke 

Determines  all,  and  closes  our  design." 


To  give — to  grant. 
To  give  is  the  simple  term  which  expresses  the  act  of  con- 
veying property  from  one  individual  to  another.  To  grant 
implies  a  previous  desire  expressed  by  the  receiver  of  the 
gift.  We  give  on  familiar  occasions.  We  grant  on  occasions 
of  importance.  Permission,  requests,  favours,  prayers,  pe- 
titions, &c.,  are  granted.  Meat,  clothes,  wine,  &c.,  are  given. 
We  grant  what  we  have  the  power  of  withholding.  To  give 
is  not  necessarily  coupled  with  such  a  condition. 

iGon.  Now  would  I  give  a  thousand  fur'  jngs  of  sea  for  an  acre  of  barren  ground. 

Tempest,  1.  1. 
Cor.  Or  if  you'd  ask,  remember  this  before 
The  things,  I  have-forsworn  to  grant,  may  never 
Be  held  by  you  denials.  CoriolanuSf  v,  3. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  67 


-  like  Alcestis,  from  the  grave, 


Whom  Jove's  great  son  to  her  glad  husband  gave. 

Milton.     '  Sonnets,* 

therefore  as  far 

From  granting  he,  as  I  from  begging  peace. 

P.  L.,  iv.  104 
When,  from  the  soft  couch  of  her  sleeping  Lover 
Up-starting,  Cynthia  skimmed  the  mountain-dew 
Li  keen  pursuit— and  gave,  where'er  she  flew, 
Impetuous  motion  to  the  Stars  above  her. 

Wordsworth.     ^  Itin.  Sonnets.* 
Father  of  all !  though  wilful  Manhood  read 
His  punishment  in  soul-distress. 
Grant  to  the  morn  of  life  its  natural  blessedness 
p.  262.] 

Exercise. 

Having  the  most  confident  anticipation  that  his  petition  would  be  ■"— , 
he  incurred  many  unnecessary  expenses  ;  great,  then,  was  his  mortifixjation 
on  learning,  that,  instead  of  presenting  his  petition  to  the  king,  the  min- 
ister had the  document  to  his  secretary  without  even  reading  it 

Ithrough. 

Three  more  days  were to  the  prisoner  to  collect  evidence  for  his 

approaching  trial. 

These  desperate  men,  who  had  led  an  abandoned  life,  had  long  ceased 
to  be  recognized  as  citizens  ;  and   a  war  ensued  in   consequence  of  the 

republic  refusing  to their  demand  to  be  admitted  to  the  rights  of 

citizenship. 

Those  who  cannot reasons  for  their  ordinary  actions  have  scarcely 

a  right  to  be  treated  as  rational  persons. 

We  are  all  required  to a  portion  of  our  substance  towards  alle- 
viating the  sufferings,  and  providing  for  the  wants  of  the  poor. 

If  you  will  but me  this  favour,  I  shall  hold  myself  bound  to  you 

Ithrough  life. 

1     Nature us  many  children  and  friends  to  take  them  away ;  but 

takes  none  away  to them  us  again. 

"  He  heard,  and half  his  prayer ; 

The  rest  the  winds  dispersed." 


7  0  gain — to  win. 

To  gain  is  a  general — to  win  is  a  specific  term. 

These  words  express  different  modes  of  acquiring  posses- 
I  aion,  and  are  to  be  distinguished  by  the  circumstances  which 
lespectively  attend  them.     Wo  gam  with  intention,  we  wi^  by 


68  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

chance.  We  may  reasonably  count  upon  our  gains.  Our  win- 
nings depend  on  fortune.  We  do  not  gain,  but  win  a  prize  ia 
the  lottery.  We  do  not  win,  but  gain  a  fortune  by  continued 
attention  to  business.  A  victory  may  be  both  gained  and  won  i 
gained,  as  concerns  the  endeavours  of  the  victors  ;  won,  as  far 
as  it  was  a  question  of  chance  which  fortune  decided  in  their 
favour.  Credit,  friends,  power,  influence,  &c.,  are  gained.  A 
race,  a  wager,  a  prize,  &c.,  are  won. 

[3Iacb. Better  be  with  the  dead 

Whom  we,  to  gain  our  place,  have  sent  to  peace. 

Macbeth,  iii.  2. 
Wol.  By  that  sin  fell  the  angels ;  how  can  man  then, 
The  image  of  his  Maker,  hope  to  win  by't  1 
Love  thyself  last :  cherish  those  hearts,  that  hate  thee ; 
Corruption  wins  not  more  than  honesty. 

Henry  VIII.,  iii.  2. 
Help  waste  a  sullen  day,  what  may  be  won  i 

From  the  hard  season  gaining.  Milton.    *  Sonnets  ' 

A  leper  once  he  lost,  and  gained  a  king. 

P.  L.,  i.  471. 

winning  cheap  tlie  high  repute 

Which  he  through  hazard  huge  must  earn. 

Id.,  ii.  472. 
To  win  some  look  of  love,  or  gain 
Encouragement  to  sport  or  play. 

Wordsworth.    '  The  White  Doe,  Jjrc, 
For  things  far  off"  we  toil,  while  many  a  good 
Not  sought  because  too  near,  is  never  gained. 

^  Itin.  Sonnets.* 
-  the  Wolf,  whose  suckling  twins 


The  unlettered  Ploughboy  pities  when  he  wins 
The  casual  treasure  from  the  furrowed  soil. 

^Miscel.  Sonnets.*} 

Exercise* 


1 


He  determined  to  deposit  a  portion  of  his  weekly in  the  savings' 

bank,  in  order  that  he  might  have  some  provision  against  sickness  or  old  age. 

Those  who large  sums  of  money  by  betting,  or  in  lotteries,  seldom 

apply  them  to  useful  purposes. 

Though  I  have  looked  into  several  books  of  reference,  I  can no 

satisfactory  information  on  this  subject. 

My  cousin,  who  is  inferior  in  abilities  to  many  of  his  school-fellows,  was 

much  surprised  on  being  informed,  after  the  examination,  that  he  had • 

the  prize. 

The  horse  who the  race  dropped  down  immediately  after  reaching 

th©  goal,  and  expired  in  a  few  minutes. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  69 

How  often  do  we  strive  to things  which  possess  no  real  ndvan- 

itages ! 

Neither  Virgil  nor  Horace  would  have so  great  a  reputation  in  the 

world,  had  they  not  been  the  friends  and  admirers  of  each  other* 

Where  the  danger  ends,  the  hero  ceases ;  and  when  he  has an 

empire,  the  rest  of  his  story  is  not  worth  relating 


To  have — to  possess. 

What  we  have  does  not  always  belong  to  us,  and  therefore 
iwe  cannot  dispose  of  it  according  to  our  will.  We  have  en- 
tire power  over  what  we  possess,  and  it  is  peculiarly  our  cwn. 
What  we  have  does  not  remain  long  ours,  but  is  continually 
shifting,  as  money,  which  circulates  in  all  classes  of  society. 
What  we  possess  is  permanently  our  own,  as  an  estate  or  a 
j house.  We  are  masters  of  what  we  possess,  but  not  always 
of  what  we  have. 

To  have  is  the  generic  term ;  to  possess  is  a  species  of 
having.  He  who  possesses  has,  but  he  who  has  does  not 
always  possess. 

[Cat.  Remember 

First  to  possess  his  books  ;  for  without  them 
He's  but  a  sot,  as  I  am,  nor  hath  not 
One  spirit  to  command.  Tempest,  iii.  2 

From  whom  I  have  that  thus  I  move  and  live 
And  feel  that  I  am  happier  than  I  know. 

P.  L.y  viii.  281 

now  possess 

A.S  lords,  a  spacious  world  Id.,  x.  466 

I,  too,  will  have  my  Kmgs  that  take 
From  me  the  sign  of  life  and  death  : 
Kingdoms  shall  shift  about,  like  clouds 
Obedient  to  my  breath. 

Wordsworth.    *  Rob  Roy^s  Grave.* 
Great  God,  who  feel'st  for  my  distress, 
My  thoughts  are  all  that  I  possess, 
O  keep  them  innocent !  *  Lament  of  Mary  Queen  of  Scots.'} 

Exercise. 

"!     I a  small  parcel  at  home  belonging  to  you,  which  shall  be  sent  to 

your  house  early  to-morrow  morning. 

He  is  in  all  respects  an  excellent  man,  and every  desirable  quality. 

What  has  become  of  the  books  which  were  delivered  here  yesterday  ?    I 


70  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


them  up  stairs  in  my  library,  and  you  shall them  before  you 

go  home. 

He  must  bo  extremely  wealthy,  for  besides  funded  property  to  a  large 

amount,  there  is  scarcely  a  county  m  England  in  which  he  does  not 

an  estate. 

How  many  sheets  of  paper  will  you  require  for  your  exercise?     I 

three,  but  I  think  I  shall  want  one  more. 

When  the  will  was  opened,  it  was  found,  to  the  great  surprise  and  aston- 
ishment of  all  his  relations,  that  he  had  left  every  thing  he to  a  per- 
fect stranger. 

He  fomid,  after  paying  all  his  debts,  that  he literally  nothing  left 

for  himself. 


To  help — to  assist. 

To  help  is  the  generic  term,  and  expresses  a  simple  act ;  to 
assist  is  a  specific  term,  and  expresses  a  mode  of  helping.  A 
man  is  helped  at  his  labour ;  assisted  in  any  intellectual  pur- 
suit. Help  is  more  immediately  wanted  than  assistance.  Help 
is  wanted  in  labour,  danger,  difficulties,  &c. ;  assistance  is  re- 
quired in  the  pursuit  of  some  study,  or  the  performance  of 
some  work.  When  a  man  is  attacked  by  robbers,  he  calls  for 
help,  not  for  assistance.  He  who  rescues  a  man  in  this  situa- 
tion from  danger  helps  him  ;  but  if  he  should  do  more — if  he 
should  second  his  endeavours  to  put  the  ruffians  to  flight,  or  to 
capture  some  of  them,  he  assists  him.  In  fine,  he  who  is  suf- 
fering is  helped ;  he  who  is  doing  is  assisted. 

iCas.  Caesar  cry'd  *  Help  me,  Cassius,  or  I  sink.' 

Julius  CcBsar,  i.  2 
Pom.  If  the  great  gods  be  just,  they  shall  assist 

The  deeds  of  justest  men.  Ant.  and  Chop  ,  ii.  1 

It  were  a  journey  like  the  path  to  heaven 

To  help  you  lind  them.  Comus,  303 

With  God  not  parted  from  him,  as  was  feared, 

But  favouring  and  assisting  to  the  end. 

S.  A.,  1720. 

Not  long  the  Avenger  was  withstood — 

Earth  helped  him  with  the  cry  of  blood. 

Wordsworth.    *  Song  at  Brougham  CastU 

Not  unassisted  by  the  flattermg  stars 

Thou  strew'st  temptation  o'er  the  path 

When  they  in  pomp  depart.  i\  168.] 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONIMES.  71 


Exercise, 

ft  is  said  that  the  author  was  materially in  his  work  by  a  friend, 

jho  carefully  revised  his  manuscript,  making  many  corrections,  and  supply^ 
hg  several  deficiencies. 

Had  it  not  been  for  a  friend,  who him  out  of  his  difficulties,  ht 

lust  have  gone  to  prison. 

In  the  middle  of  the  night,  I  was  awakened  by  loud  cries  of  " ! 

!"     I  immediately  started  up,  and  hastening  to  the  window,  I  saw 

ist  in  front  of  the  house  a  single  traveller  attacked  by  two  ruffians. 

,  He  was  on  the  point  of  yielding  to  the  superior  strength  and  skill  of  his 

ntagonists ;  when,  seizing  my  sword,  I  hastened  to  his ,  and  soon 

lined  the  scale  of  victory  in  his  favour. 

"  Their  strength  united  best  may to  bear." 

"  'Tis  the  first  sanction  nature  gave  to  man, 
Each  other  to in  what  they  can." 


To  leave — to  quit. 

To  quit  is  a  species  of  to  leave.  In  leaving  a  place,  we 
lerely  go  away  from  it ;  in  quitting  a  place,  we  go  away  from 

with  the  intention  either  of  not  returning,  or,  at  any  rate,  not 
)r  some  time.  It  is  then  evident  that  we  cannot  quit  without 
javing,  though  we  may  leave  without  quitting.  In  leaving, 
le  idea  of  what  is  left  is  prominent ;  in  quitting,  the  person 
"bo  acts  is  uppermost  in  the  mind.  A  man  leaves  his  house 
arly  in  the  morning  for  his  business ;  he  does  not  return  at 
is  usual  hour ;  and  upon  inquiry,  it  is  found  that  he -has  quit- 
fj  the  country. 

lYorh.  As  in  a  theatre,  the  eyes  of  men, 
After  a  well-graced  actor  leaves  the  stage, 
Are  idly  bent  on  him  that  enters  next. 

Richard  II. ,  v.  2 

Pros.  the  very  rats 

Instinctively  had  quit  it.  Tempest j  i.  2 

leave  not  the  faithful  side 

That  gave  thee  being,  still  shades  thee  and  protects 

P.  L.,  ix.  265 

which  the  starved  lover  sings 

To  his  proud  fair,  best  quitted  with  disdain. 

Id.,  iv.  770. 
When,  in  the  eagerness  of  boyish  hope 

I  left  our  cottage-threshold Wordsworth.    *  Nutzing  * 

Unforced  by  wind  or  wave 

To  quit  the  ship  for  which  he  died       <  Elegiac  Poems.'} 


72  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

"  Such  a  variety  of  arguments  only  distract  the  understanding;  such  a 

superficial  way  of  examining  is  to  truth  for  appearances,  only  to 

serve  our  vanity." 

Dogs  have  frequently  evmced  their  fidelity,  even  to  the  remains  of  their 

masters,  by  not ing  the  spot  where  they  are  laid. 

"  Why we  not  the  fatal  Trojan  shore, 

And  measure  back  the  seas  we  cross'd  before  ?" 
I  shall my  house  for  a  month  this  autumn,  but  I  shall  not  be  obli- 
ged to it  before  next  Christmas. 

"  Then  wilt  thou  not  be  loath 

To this  paradise  ;  but  shalt  possess 

A  paradise  withm  thee,  happier  far." 

*  He  who  is  prudent all  questions  on  minor  matters  in  religion  and 

politics  to  men  of  busy,  restless  tempers." 

"  The  old  man,  taking  my  hand  in  his,  looked  earnestly  in  my  face.    *  I 

feel  I  am  not  long  for  this  world,'  said  he,  *  but  I life  without  regret, 

where  I  have  met  with  nothing  but  vexation  and  sorrow,  and  I  look  forward 
with  confident  hope  to  another  and  a  better  world.' " 
"  The  sacred  wrestler,  till  a  blessing  giv'n, 
not  his  hold,  but,  halting,  conquers  heaven." 


To  punish — to  chastise. 

Punishment  is  the  general  term.  Chastisement  is  a  species 
of  punishment.  Chastisement  always  proceeds  from  a  supe- 
rior to  an  inferior  in  rank  or  condition ;  not  so  punishment, 
which  is  a  compensating  principle,  and  applies  generally.  A 
man  may  be  punished  for  his  misdeeds  by  his  inferiors,  or  even 
by  himself.  Our  own  reflections  are  sometimes  our  severest 
punishment.  The  immediate  object  of  chastisement  should 
be  to  improve  the  person  chastised.  The  proper  object  of 
punishment  should  be  that  the  community  should  benefit. 
Thus,  children  are  chastised,  malefactors  are  punished.  Chas- 
tisement is  intended  to  amend  the  individual ;  punishment  to 
repair  the  mischief  done  to  society  by  the  crime. 

iGlo. as  basest  and  contemned'st  wretches, 

For  pilferings  and  most  common  trespasses 
Are  punished  with.  Lear,  ii.  2. 

Cleo.  Nor  once  be  chastised  with  the  sober  eye 
Of  dull  Octavia Ant.  and  Chop.,  v.  2. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  73 

-  by  which  the  spirits  perverse 


With  easy  intercourse  pass  to  and  fro 

To  tempt  or  punish  mortals.  P.  L.j  ii.  1032 

Slow  be  the  statutes  of  the  land  to  share 

A  laxity  that  could  not  but  impair 

Your  power  to  punish  crime. 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  on  Punishment  of  Decdh. 

the  line  of  comfort  that  divides 

Calamity,  the  chastisement  of  Heaven, 

From  the  injustice  of  our  brother  men 

'  The  Excursion,^  U.J 

Exercise. 

No  species  of had  the  least  effect  upon  him  ;  he  seemed  not  to  be 

affected  by  it  in  the  same  way  as  others,  and  set  all  authority  of  his  superiors 
at  defiance. 

The  master  had  severely the  scholars  several  times  before  for  the 

same  fault,  and  determined  not  to  let  this  occasion  pass  without  making  an 
example. 

He  confessed,  however,  that  this  was  a  well-merited for  his  for- 
mer follies  ;  and  resolved  from  that  moment  to  compensate  by  his  future  good 
conduct  for  his  past  irregularities. 

The  laws  against  thieves  and  burglars  were  more  strictly  enforced  than 
ever,  and  offenders  against  them  were with  the  utmost  rigour. 

On  several  occasions,  the  father  had his  son  with  such  severity, 

that  the  neighbours  had  been  obliged  to  interfere. 


To  put — to  place. 
Put  IS  to  place  as  the  genus  to  the  species.  To  put  is  a 
general  term  ;  to  place,  specific.  Placing  is  a  mode  of  put- 
ting. When  we  put  a  thing  in  a  particular  situation,  we  place 
it.  A  plant  may  be  put  into  a  flower-pot,  and  then  placed  in 
the  green-house.  All  the  parts  of  a  clock  may  be  put  to- 
gether, and  the  clock  then  placed  in  the  hall. 

iHor.  The  very  place  puts  toys  of  desperation, 
Without  more  motive,  into  eveiy  brain. 

Hamlet,  i.  4. 
Macb.  Upon  my  head  they  placed  a  fruitless  crown, 
And  put  a  barren  sceptre  in  my  gripe. 

Macbethf  iii.  1. 
When  God  into  the  hands  of  their  deliverer 

Puts  invincible  might Samson  Agon.  1271.  • 

Was  placed  in  regal  lustre. P.  L.,  x.  447. 

In  my  own  house  I  put  into  his  hand 

A  oible WoBDSwoRTH.    ♦  The  Brother§t^ 

7 


74  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES  v«  ^K^- 

"♦■■ 

nor  any  course  '•     " 

Of  strange  or  tragic  accident,  hath  helped 
To  place  those  hillocks  in  that  lonely  guise 

*  The  Excursion j^  Vll.] 

Exercise. 
"  I  had  a  parcel  of  crowns  in  my  hand  to  pay  for  Shakspeare  ;  and  as  sha 

had  let  go  the  purse  entirely,  I a  single  one  in,  and  tying  up  the 

riband  in  a  bow-knot,  returned  it  to  her." 

"  Nydia  smiled  joyously,  but  did  not  answer  ;  and  Glaucus ing 

the  violets  he  had  selected  in  his  breast,  turned  gaily  and  carelessly  from  the 
crowd." 

"  Then  youths  and  virgins,  twice  as  many,  join 

To the  dishes,  and  to  serve  the  wine." 

"  In  saying  this,  he  presented  his  snufF-box  to  me  with  one  hcnd,  as  he 
took  mine  from  me  in  the  other ;  and  having  kissed  it,  with  a  stream  of 

good-nature  in  his  eyes,  he it  in  his  bosom,  and  took  his  leave." 

"  Our  two  first  parents,  yet  the  only  two 

Of  mankind,  in  the  happy  garden ." 

"  He  that  has  any  doubt  of  his  tenets,  received  without  examination, 

ought  to himself  wholly  into  this  state  of  ignorance,  and  throwing 

wholly  by  all  his  former  notions,  examine  them  with  a  perfect  indifference  " 

"  'Twas  his  care 
To on  good  security  his  gold." 


To  reprove — to  rehuke. 
When  we  rebuke  or  reprove  we  express  strong  disapproba- 
tion. A  rebuke  is  given  by  word  of  mouth,  whilst  a  reproof 
may  be  expressed  in  a  variety  of  ways.  A  father  who  has 
reason  to  find  fault  with  his  son's  conduct  may  reprove  him  by 
letter,  or  by  means  of  a  third  person,  as  well  as  verbally. 
There  is  more  of  impulse  in  a  rebuke,  more  of  reason  in  a  re- 
proof. Our  anger  or  indignation  prompts  us  to  rebuke.  The 
wish  to  convince  another  of  his  fault  prompts  us  to  reprove. 
■  A  rebuke  is  given  on  the  spur  of  the  moment ;  a  reproof  may 
be  conveyed  some  time  after  the  fault  reproved.  For  this 
reason,  rebukes  are  not  so  effectual  or  so  convincing  as  re- 
proofs. 

iAnt.  My  very  hairs  do  mutiny ;  for  the  white 
Reprove  the  brown  for  rashness,  and  they  them 
For  fear  and  doting. Ant.  and  Chop.,  iii.  9. 

Much.  My  genius  is  rebuked ;  a?,  it  is  said, 
Mark  Antony's  was  by  Ceesar. Macbeth,  iii.  1. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  75 

Prove  disobedient,  and,  reproved,  retort— 

P.  L.,  X.  761 

his  grave  rebuke 

Severe  in  youthful  beauty,  added  grace 

Invincible. Id.,  iv.  844. 

Life,  w^hich  the  very  stars  reprove. 

As  on  their  silent  tasks  they  move  !      Wordsworth.    *  Gipsies,'' 

Thou  Power  supreme !  who,  arming  to  rebuke 

Offenders,  dost  put  off  the  gracious  look. 

And  clothe  thyself  with  terrors  hke  the  flood 

Of  Ocean  roused  into  his  fiercest  mood. 

*  Evening  Voluntaries.^'] 

Exercise. 

Though  his  father  had him  several  times  in  the  com«e  of  the 

day,  the  son  persisted  in  his  idleness ;  and  when  the  examination  took 
place,  he  was  found  unable  to  answer  a  single  question  correctly. 

Confident  of  success,  he  had  embarked  all  his  property  in  a  wild  specula- 
tion, and  lost  every  thing  he   had  in  the  world.     It  was  now  too  late  for 

,  and  all  his  friends  could  do  for  him  was  to  assist  him,  as  well  as 

their  means  would  allow,  to  patch  up  his  broken  fortunes. 

The  popular  story  of  the  plan  which  Canute  the  Great  adopted  to 

his  courtiers  for  their  abject  flattery  in  styling  him  lord  and  master  of  the 
winds  and  ocean,  is  well  authenticated,  and  is  mentioned  by  many  respecta- 
ble historians. 

"  He  who  endeavours  only  the  happiness  of  him  whom  he ,  will 

always  have  the  satisfaction  of  either  obtaining  or  deserving  kindness." 


To  ridicule — to  deride. 

Both  these  words  include  the  idea  of  laughter,  but  the  pur- 
poses of  laughter  differ  in  each.  In  ridiculing,  we  laugh  in 
order  to  correct.  In  deriding,  we  laugh  with  a  view  of  expo- 
sing. Ridicule  is  good-humoured  ;  it  is  often  employed  to  work 
an  improvement.  Derision  is  malicious  ;  it  is  the  gratification 
of  a  malignant  feeling.  Mistakes  which  provoke  laughter  are 
ridiculed  ;  the  foolish  and  absurd  are  derided.  We  ridicule 
when  we  are  amused ;  we  deride  when  we  are  piqued  or  of- 
fended. It  is  wrong  to  ridicule  serious  things,  but  it  is  much 
worse  to  turn  them  to  derision. 

iCor.  Who  cover  faults,  at  last  shame  them  derides 
King  Lear  J  i.  1. 
All  these  our  motions  vain,  sees  and  derides. 

P.  L.,  ii.  191 


76  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

It  ill  befits  us  to  disdain 

The  altar,  to  deride  the  fane, 

Where  simple  sufferers  bend,  in  trust, 

To  win  a  happier  hour.  Wordsworth.    *  Itin.  Poems.^} 

Exercise, 
The  entreaties  of  the  unfortunate  prisoners  for  water  to  quench  their 
burning  thirst  were  neglected  or  — - —  by  the  guards,  and  consequently 
scarcely  ten  survived  the  liorrors  of  that  dreadful  niglit. 

The  efforts  which  he  made  to  regain  his  equilibrium  were  so. ,  that 

the  whole  company  burst  into  a  loud  laugh. 

Many  persons  have  a  strong  tendency  to  turn  every  thing  into : 

where  this  inclination  is  not  checked,  it  is  often  productive  of  very  serious 
consequences. 

To any  one  for  a  personal  deformity  is  a  certain  sign  of  a  base 

mind. 

Though  it  was  growing  dark,  and  they  were  passing  through  a  dangerous 
part  of  the  country,  the  guide  appeared  perfectly  insensible  to  the  probabil- 
ity of  their  being  attacked,  and the  fears  of  the  travellers,  marched 

boldly  before  them. 

He  was  stu»g  to  the  quick  by  the in  which  his  companions  held 

his  opinions,  and  he  determined  to  take  the  first  opportunity  of  separating 
himself  from  them. 

"  Satan  beheld  their  plight, 

And  to  his  mates  thus  in called : 

O  friends,  why  come  not  on  those  victors  proud?" 

"  Those  who  aim  at 

Should  fix  upon  some  certain  rule. 
Which  fairly  hints  they  are  in  jest." 


To  try — to  attempt. 
To  try  is  the  generic,  to  attempt  is  the  specific  term.  We 
cannot  attempt  without  trying,  though  we  may  try  without  at- 
tempting. When  we  try,  we  are  uncertain  as  to  the  result ; 
when  we  attempt,  it  is  always  with  intention.  We  may  be 
indifferent  as  to  the  result  of  a  trial,  but  we  never  attempt 
without  a  desire  to  succeed.  An  endeavour  is  a  continued  or 
a  repeated  attempt.  Though  a  single  attempt  be  fruitless,  yet 
we  may  at  last  succeed  in  our  endeavours.  An  endeavour  im- 
plies a  partial  failure  in  the  attempt. 

iMach.  Yet  I  will  try  the  last. Macbeth,  v.  7. 

Rom.  — What  love  can  do,  that  dares  love  attempt. 

Romeo  and  Juliet,  ii.  2. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  77 


-  to  speak  I  tried,  and  forthwith  spake. 
P.  L.,  viii.  271. 
-  Advise,  if  this  be  worth 


Attempting ; Id.,  ii  377. 

Thy  works  and  alms,  and  all  thy  good  endeavour. 

Milton.    *  Sonnets ' 
So  vain  was  his  endeavour 

That  at  the  root  of  the  old  tree 
He  might  have  worked  forever.  Wordsworth.    *  Simon  Lee.* 

his  palsied  hand. 

That  still  attempting  to  prevent  the  waste, 

Was  baffled  still.  '  The  Old  Cumberland  Beggar.^2 

Exercise, 

"  If  we  be  always  prepared  to  receive  an  enemy,  we  shall  long  live  in 
peace  and  quietness,  without  an upon  us." 

"  There  is  a  mixed  kind  of  evidence,  relating  both  to  the  senses  and  un- 
derstanding, depending  upon  our  own  observation  and  repeated of 

the  issues  and  events  of  actions  or  things,  called  experience." 

"  At  length,  as  if  tired  of to  escape,  the  lion  crept  with  a  moan 

into  its  cage,  and  once  more  laid  itself  down  to  rest." 

"  I to  seize  him,  but  he  glided  from  my  grasp." 

"  Though  Boccaccio  and  Petrarca  followed  Dante,  they  did  not  employ 
themselves  in  cultivating  the  ground  which  he  had  broken  up,  but  chose 
each  for  himself  an  un field,  and  reaped  a  harvest  not  less  abundant." 

"  A  natural  and  unconstrained  behaviour  has  something  in  it  so  agreeable, 

that  it  is  no  wonder  to  see  people ing  after  it.     But,  at  the  same  time, 

it  is  so  very  hard  to  hit  when  it  is  not  born  with  us,  that  people  often  make 
themselves  ridiculous  in ing  it." 

"  Whether  or  not  (said  Socrates  on  the  day  of  his  execution)  God  will 
approve  of  my  actions,  I  know  not ;  but  this  I  am  sure  of,  that  I  have  at 
all  times  made  it  my to  please  Him." 


To  worship — to  adore. 

Adoration  is  a  species  of  worship.  There  appears  in  adora- 
tion a  strong  sense  of  our  own  inferiority  ;  for  it  is  always  ac- 
companied by  an  attitude  expressive  of  humility.  In  worship- 
ping, the  prevailing  feeling  is  the  superiority  of  the  object 
worshipped.  In  worshipping,  we  pay  homage  to  the  power, 
wisdom,  and  goodness  of  the  Creator ;  in  adoring,  we  express 
our  own  weakness  and  dependence  on  Him.  There  is  no  at- 
titude peculiar  to  worship ;  it  is  included  in  the  usual  forms 

7* 


TO  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

of  prayer  and  thanksgiving.     In  adoring,  we  prostrate  our- 
selves. 

r  Eros.  that  noble  countenance, 

Wherein  the  worship  of  the  whole  world  lies. 

Ant.  and  Cleop.j  iv.  12 

Hel.  Indian-like, 

Religious  in  mine  error,  I  adore 

The  sun,  that  looks  upon  his  worshipper 

But  knows  of  him  no  more. AWs  Well,  4-c.,  i.  3 

wave  your  tops,  ye  pines, 

With  every  plant,  in  sign  of  worship  wave. 

P.  L.,  V.  194 
Gladly  behold  though  but  his  utmost  skirts 
Of  glory ;  and  far  off  his  steps  adore. 

Id.,  xi.  333 

the  Sun, 

Source  inexhaustible  of  life  and  joy. 

And  type  of  man's  far-darting  reason,  therefore 

In  old  time  worshipped  as  the  god  of  verse, 

A  blazing  intellectual  deity. Wordsworth.  '  To  the  Clouds 

The  future  brightens  on  our  sight ; 

For  on  the  past  has  fallen  a  light 

That  tempts  us  to  adore.  *  Elegiac  Stanzas  '] 

Exercise. 

"  Let  Indians,  and  the  gay,  like  Indians,  fond 

Of  feathered  fopperies,  the  sun ; 

Darkness  has  more  divhiity  for  me." 
"  Ho  loved  to  keep  alive  the of  Egypt,  because  he  thus  maintain- 
ed the  shadow  and  the  recollection  of  her  power." 

"  Menander  says  that  God,  the  Lord  and  Father  of  all  things,  is  alone 

worthy  of  our ,  being  at  once  the  maker  and  giver  of  all  blessings." 

(t  The of  God  is  an  eminent  part  of  religion,  and  prayer  is  a  chief 

part  of  religious ;  hence  religion  is  described  by  seeking  God." 

"  Adorned 
With  gay  religions,  full  of  pomp  and  gold, 

And  devils  to for  deities." 

**  By  reason  man  a  Godhead  can  discern. 

But  how  he  should  be cannot  learn." 

"  In  the  earliest  times  there  appear  to  have  been  very  few  temples  at 
Rome,  and  in  many  spots,  the of  a  certain  divinity  had  been  estab- 
lished from  time  immemorial,  while  we  hear  of  the  building  of  a  temple  for 
the  same  divinity  at  a  comparatively  late  period." 

"  It  is  possible  to  suppose,  that  those  who  believe  in  a  supreme,  excellent 
Being,  may  yet  give  him  no  external at  all." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  79 

Ancient — A  ntique. 
Ancient  qualifies  the  manners,  institutions,  customs,  &c.,  of 
the  nations  of  antiquity.  Antique  refers  to  the  style  of  their 
works  of  art.  Ancient  architecture  signifies  the  abstract  sci- 
ence as  it  existed  among  the  ancients.  Antique  architecture 
refers  to  the  style  of  building  among  the  ancients.  We  speak 
of  an  antique  coin,  an  antique  cup,  or  gem ;  and  of  ancient 
laws  and  customs.  Ancient  is  generic — antique  specific  ;  an 
ancient  temple  is  one  built  by  the  ancients  ;  an  antique  temple 
is  one  built  in  the  style  of  the  ancients.  Ancient  is  not  mo- 
dern ;  antique  is  not  new-fashioned. 

[Pern.  This  act  is  as  an  ancient  tale  new  told, 
Sal.  In  this,  the  antique  and  well-noted  face 
Of  plain  old  form  is  much  disfigured.  King  John,  iv.  2, 

Those  ancient,  whose  resistless  eloquence 

Wielded  at  will  that  fierce  democratie.    P.  R,,  iv.  268 

With  mask,  and  antique  pageantry.      *  U Allegro.,^  128 

Thou  dost  preserve  the  stars  from  wrong ; 

And  the  most  ancient  Heavens  through  thee  are  fresh  and  strong. 

Wordsworth.    *  Ode  to  Duty  ' 

the  rustic  Lodge 

Antique *  Inscriptions,^} 

Exercise. 

The  room  had  a  very appearance ;  the  furniture  was  old  and 

worn,  the  walls  hung  with  tapestry,  and  the  ceiling  adorned  with  relievo. 

The  remains  of  an temple  have  been  lately  found  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  modern  town,  and  in  the  vicinity,  many  remains  of  Romau 
handicraft  have  been  discovered. 

"  The  seals  which  we  have  remaining  of  Julius  Cassar,  which  we  know 
to  be ,  have  the  star  of  Venus  over  them." 

The  poems  of  Homer  throw  great  light  upon  the  domestic  manners  and 
customs  of  the Greeks. 

"  With  this  view,  Lorenzo  appropriated  his  gardens,  adjacent  to  the  mon- 
astery of  St.  Marco,  to  the  establishment  of  a  school  or  academy  for  the 
study  of  the ." 

Several  tribes,  as tradition  asserts,  were  natives  of  the  Hellenic 

soil :  two,  viz.  the  Pelasgi  and  the  Hellenes,  are  especially  mentioned  by 
Herodotus. 

"  But  seven  wise  men  the world  did  know  ; 

We  scarce  know  seven  who  think  themselves  not  so." 

"  I  leave  to  Edward,  Earl  of  Oxford,  my  seal  of  JuHus  Csesar ;  as  also 

another  seal,  supposed  to  be  a  young  Hercules,  both  very  choice s, 

and  set  in  gold." 


80  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Clear — Distinct. 
Objects  are  clear  when  there  is  sufficient  light  to  enable  us 
to  perceive  their  general  form ;  they  are  distinct,  when  we 
can  discern  their  parts,  or  separate  them  from  surrounding 
objects.  Suppose,  during  the  twilight  of  a  summer  evening, 
an  orange  is  lying  in  a  dish  with  some  other  fruit ;  there  may 
be  light  enough  for  me  to  see  it  clearly,  that  is,  to  perceive  its 
general  form  and  colour;  but  when,  lights  being  introduced,  I 
am  enabled  to  form  a  just  idea  of  its  exact  shape  and  colour, 
and  can  distinguish  it  from  the  other  fruit — I  see  it  distinctly. 

[Buck. proofs  as  clear  as  founts  in  July,  when 

We  see  each  grain  of  gravel :  Henry  VIIL,  i.  1. 

Achil.  And  make  distinct  the  very  breach,  whereout 
Hector's  great  spirit  flew.  Troil.  and  Cress. y  iv.  5 

where  the  Muses  haunt 

Clear  spring,  or  shady  grove,  or  sunny  hill. 

P.  L.,  iii.  28 
High,  and  remote  to  see  from  thence  distinct 
Each  thing  on  earth.  Id.,  ix.  812. 

Because  the  unstained,  the  clear,  the  crystalline 

Have  ever  in  them  something  of  benign ; 

Whether  in  gem,  in  water,  or  in  sky. 

A  sleeping  infant's  brow,  or  wakeful  eye 

Of  a  young  maiden,  only  not  divine.  Wordsworth.    *  Ihn.  Sonnets.^ 

Nor  does  the  Village  Church-clock's  iron  tone 

The  time's  and  season's  influence  disown  \ 

Nine  beats  distinctly  to  each  other  bound 

In  drowsy  sequence. '  Evening  Voluntaries.^'] 

Exercise. 

There  are  many  objects  we  may  see,  even  in  hazy  weather  ly, 

without  being  able  to  see  them ly.    A  telescope  will  often  make 

what  is , . 

The  night  was  so  bright,  and  our  glasses  so  good,  that  we  were  able  to 
perceive  Saturn's  ring  most ly. 

One  thing  is  quite ,  that  without  some  knowledge  as  to  the  man- 
agement of  the  propelling  power,  the  whole  machine  must  have  proved 
useless. 

In  this  country,  the  English  language  should  form  a branch  of 

education,  and  should  be  regularly  and  systematically  studied. 

The  vessel  now  spread  all  her  sails,  and  was ly  seen  approaching 

the  harbour. 

In  about  half  an  hour,  the  spectators,  with  which  the  whole  shore  was 

lined, ly  saw  seven  men  on  the  raft,  one  of  whom  was  waving  a 

handkerchief  tied  to  a  pole,  as  a  signal  of  distress. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  81 

"  Whether  we  are  able  to  comprehend  all  the  operations  of  nature,  it 
matters  not  to  inquire  ;  but  this  is  certain,  that  we  can  comprehend  no  more 
of  them  than  we  can ly  conceive." 

I  now  understand ly  what  you  mean. 


Entire — Complete, 

The  word  entire  respects  the  whole  substance  of  an  object 
considered  collectively;  it  qualifies  that  which  has  all  its 
parts :  the  word  complete  has  reference  to  the  appendages  of 
an  object,  considered  apart  from  the  object  itself ;  it  qualifies 
that  which  wants  nothing  that  properly  belongs  to  it.  An  en- 
tire week  consists  of  the  seven  days  of  which  it  is  composed, 
taken  together.  On  Friday,  the  week  wants  another  day  to 
make  it  complete.  An  entire  work  consists  of  a  certain  num- 
ber of  volumes.  A  complete  work  contains  every  thing  that 
can  be  said  on  the  subject  of  which  it  treats.  Books  of  travels 
which  are  published  without  maps  cannot  be  called  comp^<^te. 

iOth.  If  heaven  would  make  me  such  another  world, 
Of  one  entire  and  perfect  chrysohte.    Othello ^  v.  2. 

Ham.  That  thou,  dead  corse,  again,  in  complete  steel, 
Revisit'st  thus  the  glimpses  of  the  moon. 

Hamletj  i.  4. 
Or  how  the  sun  shall  in  mid-heaven  stand  still 

A  day  entire P.  L.,  xii.  264. 

so  absolute  she  seems, 

And  in  herself  complete Id.j  viii.  548. 

thereto  incline 

More  readily  the  more  my  years  require 
Help  and  forgiveness  speedy  and  entire. 

Wordsworth.      Memorials  of  Tour  in  Italy.*'] 

Exercise. 

The  embassy  did  not  occupy  an house,  but  were  accommodated 

with  temporary  lodgings  in  the  viceroy's  palace. 

Having  received  this  reinforcement,  the  army  was  now ,  and  it 

was  determined  to  march  immediately  against  the  enemy. 

He  was  so  careless  of  his  property,  that,  every  time  he  went  to  sea,  it 

was  necessary  to  purchase  for  him  a  new  and set  of  mathematical 

instruments. 

The session  has  been  occupied  in  frivolous  discussions  on<[uestions 

of  secondary  importance. 

Many  of  the  houses  in  that  country  are  built of  wood. 


82  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

When  another  row  of  houses  is  built  on  the  north  side,  the  square  will  be 


My  apprehensions  were ly  removed  by  this  intelligence. 

"  And  oft,  when  unobserved. 
Steal  from  the  barn  a  straw,  till  soft  and  warm, 
Clean  and ,  their  habitation  grows." 


Exterior — Externah 
That  which  is  outside,  but  yet  forms  part  of  a  substance,  is 
\i^  exterior.  What  is  contiguous  to  the  exterior  is  external. 
The  skin  of  a  nut  is  its  exterior,  and  the  shell  its  external 
covering.  The  exterior  of  a  house  is  what  we  see  of  the 
house  itself  from  without ;  such  as  the  brick  walls,  ornaments, 
colour,  &c.  The  external  parts  of  a  house  refer  to  the  gar- 
den, stables,  offices,  &c.,  by  which  it  is  surrounded.  Morally 
speaking,  a  man's  exterior  is  the  visible  expression  of  his 
mind  within,  and  has  reference  to  his  countenance  and  man- 
ners. One  who  is  particular  in  the  arrangement  of  his  dress, 
house,  furniture,  pictures,  &c.,  pays  much  attention  to  ex- 
ternals. 

[Bart.  Exterior  form,  outward  accoutrement. 

King  John,  1.  1. 
K.  Rich.  And  these  external  manners  of  lament 
Are  merely  shadows  to  the  unseen  grief. 

Rich.  II. J  iv.  1 
And  what  is  faith,  love,  virtue,  unassay'd 
Alone,  without  exterior  help  sustained  ? 

P.  L.,  ix.  336 

all  external  things 

Which  the  five  watchful  senses  represent. 

Id.,  v.  105. 
How  exquisitely  the  individual  Mind 
(And  the  progressive  powers  perhaps  no  less 
Of  the  whole  species)  to  the  external  World 
Is  fitted :— and  how  exquisitely,  too— 
Theme  this  but  little  heard  of  among  men— 
The  external  World  is  fitted  to  the  Mind. 

Wordsworth.    Pref.  to  the  *  Excursion.*} 

Exercise. 

The  way  in  which  men  proceeded  in  the  formation  of  abstract  language 
ras,  to  take  words  used  originally  to  designate  the  states  and  actions  of 

nature,  and  employ  them  to  express  the  various  faculties  and  condi 

tious  of  the  mind. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  83 

We  should  never  judge  any  thing  by  its ,  but  in  order  to  ascertain 

its  just  value,  we  should  defer  our  opinion  till  we  become  acquainted  with  its 
real  merits. 

Though  he  is  a  man  of  rough ,  you  will  find,  on  a  closer  acquaint- 
ance with  him,  that  he  has  an  excellent  disposition,  and  much  merit. 

A  considerable  part  of  the  popular  religion  in  all  countries  is  found  to 
have  consisted  of ceremonies. 

The forms  of  social  life  are  necessary  to  keep  alive  feelings  of 

kindness  and  benevolence  among  members  of  the  same  community. 

"  Shells,  being  exposed  loose  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth  to  the  injuries 
of  weather,  to  be  trodden  upon  by  horses  and  other  cattle,  and  to  many  other 
accidents,  are  in  course  of  time  broken  to  pieces." 


Extravagant — Profuse, 
Etymologically,  extravagant  is  wandering  out  of  the  right 
way  ;  and  profuse  is  pouring  forth  our  substance.  We  are 
extravagant  when  we  spend  more  than  we  can  afford.  We 
are  profuse  when  we  give  aw^  in  excess.  Profusion  is  a 
mode  of  extravagance.  We^..a^e  extravagant  in  the  cost  of 
what  we  spend  for  ourselves ;  profuse  in  the  quantity  we 
spend*  upon  others.  A  man  displays  extravagance  in  his 
dress,  plate,  books,  pictures,  &c.,  and  he  displays  profusion 
in  his  dinners,  entertainments,  presents,  &c.  to  his  friends. 
One  who  is  extravagant  in  his  language  uses  inapplicable, 
forced  expressions.  One  who  is  profuse  in  his  thanks  says 
more  and  repeats  oftener  than  is  necessary. 

[Hor.  and  at  his  warning. 

Whether  in  sea  or  fire,  in  earth  or  air, 
The  extravagant  and  erring  spirit  hies 
To  his  confine.  Hamlet,  i.  1. 

yet  for  a  dance  they  seemed 

Somewhat  extravagant  and  wild.         P.  i/.,  vi.  616 

which  not  nice  art 

In  beds  and  curious  knots,  but  nature  boon, 
Poured  forth  profuse  on  hill,  and  dale,  and  plain , 

Id.,  iv.  243.J 

Exercise, 

He  had  acquired  so  many  expensive  habits,  and  was  so  ■ in  his  ex-^ 

penditure,  that  he  soon  found  his  fortune  wholly  inadequate  to  supply  all  the 
wants  his  artificial  mode  of  living  had  created. 

By .  liberality  and  frequent  entertainments  to  the  people,  the  cun 


84  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

ning  demagogue  contrived  to  raise  himself  to  an  unprecedented  height  of 
popularity. 

Every  sensible  man  will  be  inclined  to  doubt  the  judgment  of  him  who 
is in  his  praises  of  what  he  is  but  little  acquainted  with. 

The  apartment  was  decorated  with  the  most  exquisite  taste  and  the 

greatest  magnificence  ;  on  all  sides,  a —  of  fruit  and  flowers  met  the 

eye,  and  the  senses  were  simultaneously  ravished  with  the  sweetest  perfumea 
and  the  softest  music. 

"  New  ideas  employed  ray  fancy  all  night,  and  composed  a  wild,  ■ 

dream." 

*'  Cicero  was  most  liberally in  commending  the  ancients  and  hia 

contemporaries." 


Frail — Brittle. 
Substances  which  are  apt  to  break  are  fratl ;  those  which 
are  apt,  in  breaking,  to  spHt  into  many  irregular  particles,  are 
brittle.  The  form  or  shape  of  an  object  may  make  it  frail, 
though  the  material  of  which  it  is  constructed  be  not  brittle. 
Brittle  is  a  quality  essential  to  the  nature  of  certain  materials ; 
frail  is  applied  to  those  which  are  put  together,  or  formed  in 
such  a  way  as  to  be  easily  broken.  A  reed,  or  a  hastily-con- 
structed house,  is  frail  ;  glass,  coal,  shells,  &c.,  are  brittle. 
What  is  frail  snaps  ;  what  is  brittle  breaks  into  many  parts  by 
collision.  Frail  is  used  in  a  secondary  sense,  as  applied  to 
the  moral  weakness  of  human  beings.  Brittle  is  scarcely 
ever  so  used. 

[P.  Hen.  (wliich  some  suppose  the  soul's  frail  dwelling-house.) 

King  John,  v.  7 
K.  Rich.  A  brittle  glory  shineth  in  this  face : 
As  brittle  as  the  glory  is  the  face ; 
For  there  it  is,  cracked  in  a  hundred  shivers. 

Rich.  II. y  iv.  1. 
Confined  and  pestered  in  this  pinfold  here, 
Strive  to  keep  up  a  frail  and  feverish  being. 

Comus,  8. 
Nor  founded  on  the  brittle  strength  of  bones. 

P.  L.y  i.  427. 
Too  much  from  this  frail  earth  we  claim, 
And  therefore  are  betrayed.       Wordsworth.    *  Elegiac  Stanzas.'''} 

Exercise, 

Though  drenched  with  the  rain,  and  exhausted  with  excessive  fatigue,  wo 
were  obliged,  notwithstanding,  to  set  to  work  immediately,  and  construct 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  85 

fiomething  to  serve  as  a  temporary  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather. 

A hovel,  made  of  deal  boards,  hastily  nailed  together  and  covered 

with  matting  and  remnants  of  old  sails,  was  our  only  dwelling  for  some 
months  after  our  arrival. 

Nelson,  though  possessed  of  perhaps  as  much  personal  bravery  as  any 

man  that  ever  existed,  was  of  a and  weakly  constitution ;  and  it 

is  well  known  that  he  never  went  to  sea  without  suffering  severely  from 
sickness. 

The  shell-basket,  though  it  had  been  packed  with  the  greatest  care,  was 

so that  it  was  found  broken  into  a  thousand  pieces  when  we  arrived 

at  the  end  of  our  journey. 

Glass  of  every  kind  would  be  much  more than  it  is,  if  it  were  not 

subjected,  immediately  after  it  is  fashioned,  to  the  process  of  annealing. 

"  When  with  care  we  have  raised  an  imaginary  treasure  of  happiness, 

we  find  at  last,  that  the  materials  of  the  structure  are  • and  perishing, 

and  the  foundation  itself  is  laid  in  the  sand." 

"  These,"  said  Harley,  '*  are  quotations  from  those  humble  poets  who  trust 
their  fame  to  the tenures  of  windows  and  drinking-glasses." 


Great — Big. 
Bulk  that  is  capable  of  expansion  is  big  when  expanded. 
Great  is  applied  to  every  species  of  dimension  ;  so  that  big  is 
a  species  of  great.  An  animal,  a  bottle,  a  balloon,  may  be 
called  big.  The  frog  that  swelled  herself  out,  asked  her 
young  if  she  was  bigger  than  the  ox.  A  great  house,  is  one 
that  has  much  length,  breadth,  and  height.  Again  there  is  a 
rotundity  in  big,  which  does  not  of  necessity  belong  to  great. 
In  a  secondary  meaning,  power,  knowledge,  strength,  &c., 
are  represented  as  great.  Big  is  not  often  used  in  a  moral 
sense.  We  have,  however,  a  year  "  big  with  events,"  and 
*'  big  with  the  fate  of  Cato,"  in  the  sense  of  on  the  point  of 
producing. 

ZPro.  The  solemn  temples,  the  great  globe  itself— 

Tempest,  iv.  1. 

1  Lord.  and  the  big  round  tears 

Coursed  one  another  down  his  innocent  nose 

In  piteous  chase  As  You  Like  It,  iv.  1 

the  tallest  pine, 

Hewn  on  Norwegian  hills  to  be  the  mast 
Of  some  great  ammiral  P.  L.,  i.  294. 

8 


86  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Behemoth,  biggest  born  of  earth,  upheaved 
His  vastness  Id,,  vii.  471. 

If  this  great  world  of  joy  and  pain 

Revolve  in  one  sure  track  ; 
If  freedom,  set,  will  rise  again. 
And  virtue,  flown,  come  back  ;       Wordsworth,    p.  381. 
They  sweep  distemper  from  the  busy  day, 
And  make  the  chalice  of  the  big  round  year 
Run  o'er  with  gladness  '  The  Excursion,^  ix.] 

Exercise. 

This  bag  will  not  be enough  to  hold  all  we  wish  to  put  into  it. 

The er  the  difficulty,  the  more  should  we  endeavour  to  over- 
come it. 

This  hat  is  not enough  for  him — it  hurts  his  head. 

How is  the  pleasure  of  doing  good,  is  known  only  to  the  bfenevo- 

lent  and  charitable  ! 

The  bottle  which  he  brought  with  him  was enough  to  hold  water 

for  the  whole  party. 

Hamilcar  is  said  to  have  founded  a city,  which  he  destined  to  be 

the  capital  of  the  Carthaginian  Empire  in  Spain,  at  a  place  called  the  White 
Promontory  ;  but  this  was  probably  superseded  by  New  Carthage,  and  its 
situation  is  now  unknown. 

His  younger  brother,  whom  I  had  not  seen  for  three  years,  was  now  grown 
a boy,  and  was  old  enough  to  go  to  school. 

"  An  animal  no er  than  a  mite  cannot  appear  perfect  to  the  eye, 

because  the  sight  takes  it  in  at  once." 

"  At  one's  first  entrance  into  the  Pantheon  at  Rome,  how  the  imagina- 
tion is  filled  with  something and  amazing !" 


Heavenly —  Celestial. 
The  Latin  word  coelum  (heaven)  leads  us  to  the  idea  of  its 
natural  appearance  of  hollowness  or  concavity.  Heaven,  from 
the  Anglo-Saxon  heafan,  (to  heave,  or  raise  up,)  points  to 
height,  moral  or  physical,  as  a  leading  idea.  Celestial  and 
heavenly  are  adjectives  derived,  respectively,  from  these  two 
nouns.  Hence,  heavenly  refers  rather  to  what  is  sublime  and  ex- 
alted, whilst  celestial  is  applied  to  the  natural  phenomenon  of  the 
heavens.  Thus  we  speak  of  the  celestial  globe,  celestial  bodies, 
&c.,  and  of  heavenly  music, heavenlyjoys,  &c.  The  expressions 
celestial  music,  celestial  joys,  &c.,  are  also  used,  but  not  in 
exactly  the  same  sense.     Heavenly  music  raises  us  above  our 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  *  87 

mortal  condition.  Celestial  music  is  the  music  heard  in  hea- 
ven, considered  as  the  abode  of  the  just.  In  the  former,  we 
have  the  idea  of  something  sublime  and  superhuman ;  in  the 
latter,  we  have  the  idea  of  place. 

lOth.  This  sorrow's  heavenly ; 

It  strikes,  where  it  doth  love.  Othello,  v.  2 

Kath.  whilst  I  sit  meditating 

On  that  celestial  harmony  I  go  to.       Henry  VIII.,  iv  2 
Celestial  voices  to  the  midnight  air, 
Sole  or  responsive  each  to  other's  note, 
^  Singing  their  great  Creator  oft  in  bands 

While  they  keep  watch  or  nightly  rounding  walk, 
With  heavenly  touch  of  instrumental  sounds 
In  full  harmonic  number  joined,  their  songs 
Divide  the  night,  and  lift  our  thoughts  to  heaven. 

P.  L.,  iv.  682-6. 

guidance  have  I  sought  in  duteous  love 

From  Wisdom's  heavenly  Father. 

Wordsworth.    *  On  the  Punishment  of  Death  * 
Reflected  beams  of  that  celestial  light 
To  all  the  Little- Ones  on  sinful  earth 
Not  unvouchsafed.  *  Maternal  Grief. ^2 

Exercise. 

Abstracted  from  all  the  cares  and  anxieties  of  this  world,  he  fixed  his  mind 

intently  on  the joys  of  a  future  state,  waiting  with  patient,  though 

longing  anxiety  for  the  moment  which  should  dissolve  him  for  ever  from  all 
earthly  ties. 

The  artificial  contrivance  called  a globe  is  a  hollow  sphere,  on  the 

surface  of  which  are  represented  the  stars  and  constellations,  eacli  in  its 
proper  situation. 

The  countenance  of  St.  Cecilia  is  painted  glowing  with  enthusiasm  and 

rapt  in  a  "  fine  frenzy,"  and  her features  are  directed  upwards,  while 

she  seems  to  catch  the  divine  inspiration  which  fills  her  soul. 

"  There  stay,  until  the  twelve signs 

Have  brought  about  their  annual  reckoning." 

"  As  the  love  of  heaven  makes  one ,  the  love  of  virtue,  virtuous,  so 

does  the  love  of  the  world  make  one  become  worldly." 


H?gh — Tall. 
High  is  a  generic  term  ;  tallj  a  specific  term.     What  is  tall 
is  high,  but  what  is  high  is  not  always  tall.     That  which  at- 
tains considerable  height  by  growing  is  tall.     So  we  speak  of 
the  height  of  a  tall  man.     The  reverse  of  high  is  low,  thd 


88  ^  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

reverse  of  tall  is  stunted.  We  may  say,  a  high  house,  a  high 
church,  &c. ;  and  a  tall  girl,  a  tall  horse,  a  tall  tree,  &c.  Met- 
aphorically, tall  is  sometimes  used  for  high,  as  in  the  phrase, 
**  a  tall  spired 

\_Hor.       the  morn,  in  russet  mantle  clad, 

Walks  o'er  the  dew  of  yon  high  eastern  hill. 

Hamlet y  i.  1. 

Salar.  a  very  dangerous  flat,  and  fatal,  where  the  carcases  of  many  a  tall 

ship  lie  buried.  Merch.  of  Ven.,  iii.  1. 

Or  let  my  lamp  at  midnight  hour 
Be  seen  in  some  high  lonely  tower. 

Milton.    II  Pens.,  &b 

that  proud  honour  claimed 

Azazel  as  his  right,  a  cherub  tall.         P.  L.j  i.  534 
Yet  when  above  the  forest-glooms 
The  white  swans  southward  passed, 
■"^  High  as  the  pitch  of  their  swift  plumes 

Her  fancy  rode  the  blast ;  ^ 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Russian  Fugitive.^ 
And  yon  tall  pine-tree,  whose  composing  sound 
Was  wasted  on  the  good  Man's  living  ear. 
Hath  now  its  own  peculiar  sanctity ; 
And,  at  the  touch  of  every  wandering  breeze, 
Murmurs,  not  idly  o'er  his  peaceful  grave. 

Tlie  Excursion,  vii.] 

Exercise, 

"  Reason  elevates  our  thoughts  as as  the  stars,  and  leads  us  through 

the  vast  spaces  of  this  mighty  fabric  ;  yet  it  comes  far  short  of  the  real  ox- 
tent  of  even  corporeal  being." 

"  Two  of  far  nobler  shape,  erect  and 

Godlike  erect,  with  native  honour  clad, 
In  naked  majesty,  seemed  lords  of  all." 

«  The  er  parts  of  the  earth,  being  continually  spending,  and  the 

lower  continually  gaining,  they  must,  of  necessity,  at  length  come  to  an 
equality." 

"  Prostrate  on  earth  their  beauteous  body  lay, 

Like  mountain  firs,  as and  straight  as  they." 

"  They  that  stand ,  have  many  blasts  to  shake  them, 

And,  if  they  fall,  they  dash  themselves  to  pieces." 

"  Tliey  lop,  and  lop,  on  this  and  that  hand,  cutting  away  the  , 

Bound,  and  substantial  timber,  that  used  to  shelter  them  from  the  winds," 

*' o'er  their  heads  a  mouldering  rock  is  placed, 

That  promises  a  fall,  and  shakes  at  every  blast." 
"  When  you  are  tried  in  scandal's  court, 

Stand in  honor,  wealth,  or  wit, 

All  others  who  inferior  sit. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  89 

Conceive  themselves  in  conscience  bound 
To  join  and  dra^  you  to  the  i]:round." 


LaudaUe^-Praiseworthy, 

Laudable  is  the  generic ;  praiseworthy  the  specific  term. 
Things  that  are  generally  entitled  to  praise  are  laudable  ;  when 
circumstances  make  an  action  deserve  praise,  it  is  praise 
worthy.  What  is  laudable  is  so  under  all  circumstances ; 
what  is  praiseworthy  is  so  only  under  certain  circumstances. 
The  merit  of  what  is  laudable  lies  in  the  abstract  nature  of  the 
thing.  The  merit  of  what  is  praiseworthy  depends  upon  the 
circumstances  of  the  case.  In  praiseworthy,  there  is  an  im- 
plied reference  to  the  agent.  More  generally,  things  are 
qualified  as  laudable,  and  actions  as  praiseworthy.  Ambition, 
confidence,  &c.,  may  be  laudable.  To  encourage  trade,  and 
discourage  immorality,  are  praiseworthy  in  a  king. 

[L.  Macd,  I  am  in  this  earthly  world  :  where  to  do  harm 
Is  often  laudable  :  Macbeth,  iv.  2. 

Bened.  So  much  for  praising  myself,  (who,  I  myself  will  bear  witness,  is  praise- 
worthy.) MucJi  Ado  About  Nothing,  v.  2.] 

Ji^xercise. 

"  Nothing  is  more than  an  inquiry  after  truth." 

"  Ridicule  is  generally  made  use  of  to  laugh  men  out  of  virtue  and  good 
sense,  by  attacking  every  thing in  human  life." 

"  He  had  in  general  a confidence  in  his  own  judgment,  and  never 

took  advice." 

"  Firmus,  who  seized  upon  Egypt,  was  so  far that  he  encouraged 

trade." 

"  Affectation  endeavours  to  cc  rrect  natural  defects,  and  has  always  the 
aim  of  pleasing,  though  it  always  misses  it." 

"  But  who  shall  say  that  the  feelings  which  produced  such  emotions  even 
in  such  men  were  not and  good  ?" 


Lucky — Fortunate. 

Though  both  these  words  are  employed  to  qualify  those  per- 
sons to  whom  things  turn  out  as  they  wish,  there  is  this  dis- 

8* 


90  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

tinction  between  them.  Those  are  properly  called  fortunate 
who  are  continually  successful  in  their  undertakings.  Luchy 
refers  to  that  which  is  pure  hazard,  and  wholly  unexpected. 
A  fortunate  man  obtains  what  he  wishes  and  hopes  to  gain. 
A  lucky  man  gets  what  he  may  desire,  but  does  not  expect  to 
gain.  The  fortunate  merchant  grows  rich  by  successful  specu- 
lations ;  the  lucky  man  becomes  rich  by  a  prize  in  the  lottery, 
or  by  an  unexpected  legacy. 

lAnt,  when  mine  hours 

Were  nice  and  lucky,  men  did  ransom  lives 

Of  me  for  jests. Ant.  and  Chop.,  iii.  11. 

Bru.  As  Caesar  loved  me,  I  weep  for  him ;  as  he  was  fortunate,  I  rejoice  at  it ; 

Julius  Ccesar,  iii.  2. 
So  may  some  gentle  Muse 
With  lucky  words  favour  my  destined  urn ; 

Milton.    *  Lycidas^^  20 
Like  those  Hesperian  gardens,  famed  of  old, 
Fortunate  fields,  and  groves,  and  flowery  vales. 
Thrice  happy  isles  ;  P.  L.y  iii.  569 

In  days  of  yore  how  fortunately  fared 
The  Minstrel '  wandering  from  hall  to  hall 

'  The  Excursion^''  ii.] 

Exercise. 

After  many  fruitless  attempts,  I  was  at  last  so as  to  find  him  at 

home  ;  and  having  obtained  an  interview,  I  explained  my  views  to  him,  and 
solicited  his  interest  in  my  favour. 

On  his  arrival  in  town,  he  advertised  in  the  public  papers,  and,  by  the 

chance,  the  advertisement  struck  the  eye  of  a  gentleman  who  was 

in  need  of  some  one  to  superintend  his  affairs  ;  this  led  to  an  interview,  and 
he  was  so as  to  obtain  the  situation. 

I  met  him  by  the  merest  chance,  an  event  which  has  led  to  all  my  good 
throughout  life,  and  which  I  cannot  but  consider  as  the  ac- 
cident that  ever  befel  me. 

He  has  been  most in  all  his  transactions ;  every  thing  has  pros- 
pered with  him  through  life,  and  in  all  cases  of  doubtful  success,  enterprises 
seemed  to  want  but  his  sanction  to  turn  the  scale  in  their  favour. 

It  was  a circumstance  for  the  Duke  that  the  King  died  at  this 

conjuncture  ;  for,  in  consequence  of  his  death,  he  was  liberated  from  prison, 
and  restored  to  all  his  dignities  and  honors. 

«  The moment  the  sly  traitor  chose. 

Then  starting  from  his  ambush,  up  he  rose." 

"  O old  man,  whose  farm  remains 

For  you  sufficient,  and  requites  your  pains.** 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  91 

Mute — Dumb. 
A  dumb  man  has  not  the  power  to  speak.  A  mute  man 
either  does  not  choose,  or  is  not  allowed  to  speak.  Whatever 
takes  away  the  faculty  of  speech,  even  for  a  time,  causes  a 
man  to  be  dumb.  Men  are  dumb  from  some  organic  defect : 
circumstances  may  make  us  mute.  Deafness  from  birth  will 
make  a  man  dumb.  Beasts,  birds,  and  fishes  are  dumb. 
Mutes  are  men  who  stand  on  each  side  of  the  entrance  of  a 
deceased  person's  house,  on  the  day  of  his  funeral,  and  who 
are  ordered  to  preserve  strict  silence. 

[Cant. when  he  speaks, 

The  air,  a  chartered  libertine,  is  still, 

And  the  mute  wonder  lurketh  in  men's  ears 

To  steal  his  sweet  and  honeyed  sentences. 

Henry  V.,  i.  1. 

Mess.  '■ I  have  seen 

The  dumb  men  throng  to  see  him,  and  the  blind 

To  hear  him  speak. Coriolanusy  ii.  1 

More  safe  I  sing  with  mortal  voice,  unchanged 
To  hoarse  or  mute,  though  fallen  on  evil  days, 
On  evil  days  though  fallen,  and  evil  tongues. 

P.  L.,  vii.  25 
His  gentle  dumb  expression  turned  at  length 

The  eye  of  Eve  to  mark  his  play Id.,  ix.  527. 

Mute  as  the  snow  upon  the  hill. 

And,  as  the  saint  he  prays  to,  still.       Wordsworth,  p  262 

Yet,  spite  of  all  this  eager  strife. 

This  ceaseless  play,  the  genuine  life 

That  serves  the  stedfast  hours. 
Is  in  the  grass  beneath,  that  grows 
Unheeded,  and  the  mute  repose 

Of  sweetly-breathing  flowers.  Id.,  p.  376 

I  forgive  him ;— but 

'Twere  better  to  be  dumb  than  to  talk  thus  : 

*  MichaeU} 

Exercise. 

"  We  went  in  an  open  carriage,  drawn  by  two  sleek  old  black  horses  for 

which  W.  Scott  seemed  to  have  an  affection,  as  he  had  for  every 

animal  that  belonged  to  him." 

"  'Tis  listening  fear  and amazement  all." 

"  Long he  stood,  and  leaning  on  his  staff, 

His  wonder  witnessed  with  an  idiot  laugh." 
"  Some  positive  terms  signify  a  negative  idea :  blmd  implies  i  priv&tioii  of 
eight, ,  a  denial  of  speech." 


9Z  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 


«  All  sat  - 


Pondering  the  danger  with  deep  thoughts." 
"  The  whole  perplexed  ignoble  crowd 

to  my  questions,  in  my  praises  loud. 

Echoed  the  word." 
"  The  truth  of  it  is,  half  the  great  talkers  in  the  nation  would  be  struck 
■  were  this  fountain  of  discourse  (party  lies)  dried  up." 


In  a  few  minutes,  however,  several  appeared,  at  the  sight  of 

whom,  Mustapha,  knowing  what  was  his  doom,  cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
"  Lo,  my  death !"  and  attempted  to  fly. 

*'  Sometimes  we  stand  in  silence,  and  with  a  full  heart,  gazing  upon  those 
hard,  cold  eyes  which  never  again  can  melt  in  tenderness  upon  us.  And 
our  silence  is , — its  eloquence  is  gone." 


JSew — Novel. 
What  we  get  in  exchange  for  the  old,  is  new.  What  has 
never  occurred  before,  is  novel.  New  is  opposed  to  old  ; 
novel,  to  known.  New  supposes  something  previous  ;  novel 
is  strange  and  unexpected.  The  new  year  is  opposed  to  the 
old  year.  A  new  edition  is  one  just  published.  A  novel 
style  is  one  which  no  one  has  yet  attempted.  A  novel  prin- 
ciple is  one  hitherto  unknown.  Novelty — not  newness — is 
the  great  charm  in  travelling.  A  new  book  may  exhibit  a  sub- 
ject in  a  novel  manner.  Novel  is  a  species  of  new ;  it  is  the 
new  and  the  unknown  combined. 

iMacb.  Approach  the  chamber,  and  destroy  your  sight 

With  a  new  Gorgon Macbeth,  ii.  3. 

Duke.  novelty  is  only  in  request ;  and  it  is  as  dangerous  to  be  aged  in  any 

kind  of  course,  as  it  is  virtuous  to  be  constant  in  any  undertaking. 

Meas.for  Meas.,  iii.  2. 
The  winds  with  wonder  whist, 
Smoothly  the  waters  kist, 
Whispering  new  joys  to  the  mild  ocean. 

Milton.    '  Ode  on  the  Nativity  * 

create  at  last 

This  novelty  on  earth P.  L.,  x,  891. 

flower  after  flower  has  blown. 

Embellishing  the  ground  that  gave  them  birth 
With  aspects  novel  to  my  sight , 


-  where'er  my  feet  might  roam, 


Whate'er  assemblages  of  new  and  old, 
Strange  and  famihar,  might  beguile  the  way. 

Wordsworth.    *  Memorials  of  Tour  in  Italy. ^2 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  93 

Exercise. 

This  doctor  adopts  altogether  a mode  of  treatment  with  his  pa- 
tients. 

It  is  customary  in  many  foreign  countries,  on  the  first  day  of  the 

year,  for  every  one  to  pay  visits  of  ceremony,  and  make  presents  to  his 
friends  and  acquaintance. 

This  was  a and  unheard-of  innovation,  and  so  opposed  to  the  feel- 
ings of  the  members,  that  they  unanimously  declared  they  would  withdraw 
their  support  from  the  society,  if  the  council  should  persist  in  bringing  it  into 
practice. 

Every  thing  I  find  here  is  so  and  strange,  that  scarcely  an  hour 

passes  without  something  to  engage  my  attention,  and  this  produces  so 
pleasing  an  excitement,  that  I  am  now  strongly  prejudiced  in  favour  of  tho 
place. 

As  a  reward  for  his  diligence  and  good  conduct  at  school,  his  uncle  had 

made  him  a  present  of  a kite,  which  he  is  now  engaged  in  flying  in 

the  fields  at  the  back  of  the  house. 

"  We  are  naturally  delighted  with ." 

"  When  the of  success  was  cooled,  he  began  to  feel  that  the  olive 

crown  had  its  thorns." 

"  'Tis  on  some  evening,  sunny,  grateful,  mild, 
When  nought  but  balm  is  beaming  through  the  woods, 

With  yellow  lustre  bright,  that  the tribes 

Visit  the  spacious  heavens." 


Particular — Peculiar. 
Particular  qualifies  that  which  belongs  to  one  sort  or  kind 
only,  exclusively  of  others.  Peculiar  qualifies  that  which  be- 
longs to  the  individual.  Pineapples  have  a  particular  flavour, 
i.  e.  a  flavour  not  belonging  to  other  kinds  of  fruit.  One  indi- 
vidual pineapple  may  have  a  peculiar  flavour,  i.  e.  a  flavour  to 
be  found  in  no  other  pineapple. 

iHel.  It  were  all  one 

That  I  should  love  a  bright  particular  star 

And  think  to  wed  it,  he  is  so  above  me.        AlVs  WeU,  «J-c.,  1.  I. 

Ros.  The  single  and  peculiar  life  is  bound 
With  all  the  strength  and  armour  of  the  mind 

To  keep  itself  from  'noyance Hamlet,  ill.  3. 

Beauty,  which,  whether  waking  or  asleep 

Shot  forth  peculiar  graces ; P.  L.,  v.  15. 


-  save  only  for  a  hope 


That  my  particular  current  soon  will  reach 

The  unfathomable  gulf,  where  all  is  still.    *  The  Excursi^tif'  m 


94  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 


-  we  die,  my  Friend, 


Nor  we  alone,  but  that  which  each  man  loved 

And  prized  in  his  peculiar  nook  of  earth 

Dies  with  him  or  is  changed ;  and  very  soon 

Even  of  the  good  is  no  memorial  left.  *  The  Excursion^''  i.l 

Exercise, 

It  is  so  long  since  this  adventure  happened  to  me,  that  I  can  do  no  more 
than  give  you  a  general  account  of  the  transaction,  for  I  cannot  now  recol- 
lect every circumstance  connected  with  the  affair. 

Eccentric  men  have  habits ;  they  do  not  seem  to  move  in  the 

same  sphere  with  other  mortals,  but  are  actuated  by  different  influences 
from  those  which  affect  the  bulk  of  mankind. 

I  was  present  during  the  whole  course  of  lectures  ;  but  though  I  paid  the 
strictest  attention  to  the  system  and  explanations  of  the  lecturer,  I  could  not 
discover  any novelty  either  in  his  system  or  arrangement. 

I  was  once  acquainted  with  a  gentleman  who  had  the habit  of 

repeating  several  times,  in  a  gradually  lower  tone,  the  last  syllable  of  every 
sentence  he  uttered. 

His  general  conduct  was  that  of  an  irritable  man ;  and  though  I  do  not 

remember  any occasion  on  which  he  displayed  his  violent  temper,  I 

know  that  it  was  a  subject  of  continual  complaint  among  his  friends. 

Is  there  any  thing  new  ?     No,  nothing  in . 

"  Great  father  Bacchus,  to  my  song  repair, 
For  clustering  grapes  are  thy care." 

"  When  we  trust  to  the  picture  that  objects  draw  of  themselves  on  th3 

mind,  we  deceive  ourselves  without  accurate  and observation  ;  it  is 

but  ill-drawn  at  first ;  the  outlines  are  soon  blurred,  the  colours  every  day 
grow  fainter  " 


Prevalent — Prevailing 
What  generally  prevails  is  prevalent.  What  actually  pre- 
vails is  prevailing.  There  are  many  pairs  of  adjectives  of  this 
sort  in  English,  the  former  preserving  the  Latin,  and  the  latter 
the  Saxon  participial  ending — such  as,  Consistent,  consisting ; 
different,  differing  ;  repentant,  repenting,  &c.  &c.  The  former 
of  which  will  be  found  to  qualify  as  to  generals,  and  the  latter 
as  to  particulars.  Thus,  in  the  above  pair  of  words — Con- 
sumption is  a  prevalent  disorder  in  England  :  after  a  bad  hai- 
vest,  distress  is  a  prevailing  cause  of  discontent. 

Exercise. 

"  This  was  the  most  received  and opinion  when  I  first  brought 

my  collection  up  to  London." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  95 

*'  Probabilities,  which  cross  men's  appetites  and passions,  run  the 

same  fate  ;  let  never  so  much  probability  hang  on  one  side  of  a  covetous 
man*s  reasoning,  and  money  on  the  other,  it  is  easy  to  foresee  which  will 
ouiweigh." 

"  The  evils  naturally  consequent  upon  a temptation  are  intolera- 
ble." 

"  But  the  great characteristic  of  the  present  intellectual  spirit  is 

one  most  encouraging  to  human  hopes ;  it  is  benevolence." 

"  As  I  consider  that  the  architecture  of  a  nation  is  one  of  the  most  visible 
types  of  its character,  so,  in  that  department  all  with  us  is  comforta- 
ble, and  nothing  vast." 

It  must  be  admitted,  to  the  honor  of  our  nation,  that  the  vice  of  drunken- 
ness is  far  less in  England  now,  than  it  was  some  years  past. 

Commerce  and  war  transplant  so  many  Franks  into  the  East,  that  at 
Smyrna  and  Alexandria  it  has  occasionally  been  asked  whether  hats  or  tur- 
bans were  the fashion. 


Strong — Robust. 

Strong  is  here  the  generic  term ;  robust  the  specific.  A 
strong  man  is  able  to  bear  a  heavy  burden.  A  robust  man 
bears  continual  labour  or  fatigue  with  ease.  There  is  in  ro- 
bust the  idea  of  roughness  or  rudeness,  which  strong  does  not 
contain.  A  strong  man  may  be  active,  nimble,  and  graceful. 
An  excess  of  muscular  development,  together  with  a  clumsi- 
ness of  action,  exclude  these  qualities  from  the  robust  man. 
Ploughmen  and  labourers  are  robust :  soldiers  and  sailors  are 
generally  strong  men. 

iBoling.  Strong  as  a  tower  in  hope,  I  cry— amen ! 

Richard  II.,  i.  3 
O  impotence  of  mind,  in  body  strong ! 
But  what  is  strength  without  a  double  share 
Of  wisdom  ?  Samson  Agon.y  52. 

Alas  I  when  evil  men  are  strong 
No  life  is  good,  no  pleasure  long 

Wordsworth.    *  Song  at  Brougham  Castle.* 
For  one,  who,  though  of  drooping  mien,  had  yet 
From  nature's  kindliness  received  a  frame 
Kobust  as  ever  rural  labour  bred.  *  The  Excursion,*  vi.] 

Exercise. 
Having  lived  all  his  life  in  the  comitry,  and  being  habitually  engaged  in 

active  occupations,  he  was  in  possession  of health,  and  its  constant 

attendant,  excellent  spirits. 


96      ^  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Though  naturally  of  a constitution,  his  frame  was  so  shattered  by 

the  excessive  fatigue  and  hardships  he  had  undergone,  that  he  fell  into  a  bad 
state  of  health,  from  which  ho  never  afterwards  recovered. 

This  news  threw  him  into  such  a  state  of  excitement,  that  it  brought  on 

a  fit ;  and  three men  could  scarcely  hold  him  down,  or  prevent  him 

doing  some  injury  to  the  bystanders. 

We  should  never  forget  that  though  it  is  excellent  to  be ,  it  is 

shameful  to  abuse  our  strength. 

Sallust  describes  Catiline  as  a  man  of  extraordinary  powers,  both  of  mind 
and  body ;  able  to  bear  heat  and  cold,  fatigue  and  watching  to  an  mcredi- 
ble  degree,  and  displaying  every  sign  of  a frame. 

Those  who  are  physically are  sometimes  weak  in  mind. 

"  The  huntsman,  ever  gay, and  bold, 

Defies  the  noxious  vapour." 

"  The  weak,  by  thinking  themselves ,  are  induced  to  proclaim  war 

against  that  which  ruins  them  ;  and  the by  zifFecting  to  be  weak, 

are  thereby  rendered  as  useless  as  if  they  really  were  so." 


Translucent — Transparent, 
Whatever  admits  the  light  through  it  in  such  a  way,  as  to 
enable  us  to  clearly  distinguish  objects  placed  on  the  other 
side  of  it,  is  transparent.  What  merely  admits  the  light,  but 
does  not  enable  us  to  distinguish  objects  through  it,  is  translu^ 
cent.  Glass,  water,  ice,  cfec,  are  transparent  substances, 
Ground  glass,  silver  paper,  horn,  &c.,  are  translucent  sub- 
stances. What  is  transparent  is  also  translucent;  but  what 
is  translucent  is  not  always  transparent. 

[King.  Through  the  transparent  bosom  of  the  deep 

Love's  Labour  Lostj  iv.  3. 

and  God  made 

Tlie  firmament,  expanse  of  liquid,  pure. 

Transparent,  elemental  air P.  i.,  vii.  265. 

Under  the  glassy,  cool,  translucent  wave.       Comus,  861. 

a  brook 

Hurled  down  a  mountain-cove  from  stage  to  stage, 
Yet  tempering,  for  my  sight,  its  bustling  rage 
In  the  soft  heaven  of  a  translucent  pool. 

Wordsworth.    *  Eccles.  Sonnets  ' 

while  the  morning  air  is  yet 

Transparent  as  the  soul  of  innocent  youth,     p.  373. 
I  see  the  dark  brown  curls,  the  brow. 

The  smooth  transparent  skin. 
Refined  as  with  intent  to  show 
The  holiness  wittiin.  *  Jetoish  Family,*^ 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  97 

Exercise, 

**  A  poet  of  another  nation  would  not  have  dwelt  so  long  upon  the  clear- 
ness and cy  of  the  stream  ;  but  in  Italy,  one  seldom  sees  a  river  that 

is  extremely  bright  and  limpid,  most  of  them  being  muddy." 

"  The  quarry  has  several  other stones,  which  want  neither  beauty 

nor  esteem." 

"  Nor  shines  the  silver  moon  one-half  so  bright, 

Through  the bosom  of  the  deep. 

As  doth  thy  face  through  tears  of  mine  give  light, 
Thou  shin'st  in  every  tear  that  I  do  weep." 

^  forms,  too  fine  for  mortal  sight. 

Their  fluid  bodies  half  dissolved  in  light." 
"  Lumps  of  rock  crystal  heated  redhot,  then  quenched  in  faur  water,  ex- 
changed their cy  for  whiteness,  the  ignition  and  extinction  having 

cracked  each  lump  into  a  multitude  of  minute  bodies." 
"  Each  thought  was  visible  that  rolled  within, 
As  through  a  crystal  case  the  figured  hours  aje  seen, 

And  Heaven  did  this veil  provide. 

Because  she  had  no  guilty  thought  to  hide." 


Weak — Infirm . 

Weak  is  a  generic  term,  and  is  opposed  to  strong :  infirm 

is  a  species  of  weak.     Weakness  may  proceed  from  various 

causes,  and  may  exist  at  any  period  of  life.     Infirmity  is  the 

weakness  of  old  age.     Those  who  are  infirm  are  weak ;  but 

those  who  are  weak  are  not  always  infirm.     We  never  hear 

of  infirm  children.     The  term  weak,  is  applied  to  animate  and 

inanimate  things.     Infirm,   only  to  human  beings.     A  sick 

man  is  too  weak  to  walk ;  an  old  man  is  too  infirm  to  stand. 

iLear.  here  I  stand,  your  slave, 

A  poor,  infirm,  weak,  and  despised  old  man. 

King  Lear,  iii.  2* 

Kath.  What  can  be  their  business 

With  me,  a  poor  weak  woman,  fallen  from  favour, 

Henry  Vlll.y  iii.  1 
Fallen  cherub,  to  be  weak  is  miserable, 
Domg  or  suffering :  P.  L.,  i.  157 

Thy  frailty  and  infirmer  sex  forgiven. 

Id.,  X.  956. 
Fame  is  the  spur  that  the  clear  spirit  doth  raise, 
(That  last  infirmity  of  noble  mind) 
To  scorn  delights,  and  hve  laborious  days. 

*  LycidaSf*  71, 

9 


:fi8  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

—Come  hither  in  thy  hour  of  strength ; 
Come,  weak  as  is  a  breaking  wave  ! 
Here  stretch  thy  body  at  full  length ; 
Qr  build  thy  house  upon  this  grave. 

WoKDSwoKTH.    *  A  Poei  s  Epitaph  * 

he  shall  gain 

The  clearest  apprehension  of  those  truths, 
Which  unassisted  reason's  utmost  power 
Is  too  infirm  to  reach.  *  The  Excursion,^  v.] 

Exercise. 

The  younger  brother  had  suffered  a  long  and  painful  illness,  and  was  so 
'  from  exhaustion  and  depletion,  that  it  was  doubtful  for  some  time, 

whether  he  would  ever  recover  his  strength. 

Though  of  great  age,  he  is  one  of  the  most  active  men     know  ;  for,  at 

a  time  of  Hfe  when  most  men  are and  ailing,  he  performs  all  the 

ordinary  duties  of  life  with  the  energy  and  vigour  of  youth. 

"  There  can  be  little  doubt  that  vice  and  luxury  operate  quite  as  strongly 
as  any  hereditary  influence  or  physical  debility,  in  making  the  mental 
faculties and  inefficient." 

Every  man  must  naturally  look  forward  to  a  time  when  he  will  become 

old  and ,  and  should  lay  up  in  his  youth  a  provision  for  that  period 

of  his  life  in  which  he  will  no  longer  be  able  to  work. 

The  workmen  had  scarcely  left  the  building,  when  the  roof  fell  in  with  a 
loud  crash ;  and  on  examining  the  ruins,  it  was  discovered  that  the  walls,  being 
too to  support  the  weight  of  the  roof,  had  consequently  given  way. 

"  At  my  age,  and  under  my ,  I  can  have  no  relief  but  that  which 

religion  furnishes  me." 


Weighty — Heavy . 
Every  thing  is  weighty,  since  weight  is  the  natural  tendency 
which  all  bodies  have  to  the  centre  of  the  earth.  Those 
bodies  which  have  much  weight,  either  in  proportion  to  their 
bulk,  or  the  strength  applied  to  them,  are  heavy.  Heavy 
qualifies  what  cannot  be  easily  lifted.  A  "bag  of  gold  is 
heavier  than  a  bag  of  feathers  of  the  same  size,  because  gold 
has  more  weight  than  feathers.  The  nature  of  the  substance 
causes  its  weight.  The  quantity  of  the  substance  causes  its 
heaviness.  A  pound  of  feathers  and  a  pound  of  gold  have 
equal  >veight ;  but  feathers  and  gold  have  not  equal  heaviness. 
In  a  moral  sense,  the  same  difference  is  perceptible.  A 
weighty  affair  is  one  which  is  intrinsically  important ;  a  heavy 
charge  is  one  difficult  to  be  got  rid  of. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES. 

iK,  Hen.  There  ye  shall  meet  about  this  weighty  business. 

Henry  VIIL, 
Cant.  The  poor  mechanick  porters  crowding  in 
Their  heavy  burdens  at  his  narrow  gate. 

Henry  V.,  i.  2. 
That  burden  heavier  than  the  earth  to  bear ; 
Than  all  the  world  much  heavier  —    P.  L.,  x.  835 

that  blessed  mood. 

In  which  the  burthen  of  the  mystery, 

In  which  the  heavy  and  the  weary  weight 

Of  all  this  unintelligible  world 

Is  lightened  —  Wordsworth.    '  Tintem  AbbeyJ} 

Exercise. 

"  The  finest  works  of  invention  are  of  very  little ,  when  put  in 

the  balance  with  what  refines  and  exalts  the  rational  mind." 

"  Mersennus  tells  us,  that  a  little  child,  with  an  engine  of  a  hundred 

double  pulleys,  might  move  this  earth,  though  it  were  much er  than 

it  is." 

"  Reverend  patriarch,"  answered  the  emperor,  *'  do  not  deem  that  we 

think  lightly  of  your scruples,  but  the  question  is  now,  not  in  what 

manner  we  may  convert  these  Latin  heretics  to  the  true  faith,  but  how  we 
may  avoid  being  overrun  by  their  myriads,  which  resemble  those  of  the 
locusts  by  which  their  approach  was  preceded  and  intimated." 

**  The  subject  is  concerning  the ness  of  several  bodies,  or  the 

proportion  that  is  required  betwixt  any and  the  power  which  may- 
move  it." 

"  Thus  spoke  to  my  lady  the  knight  full  of  care, 
*  Let  me  have  your  advice  in  a affair '  " 


Whole — Entire . 
The  parts  of  any  object  may  be  divided,  but  if  they  are  not 
separated,  that  object  maybe  called  whole.  Thus,  if  an  orange 
be  cut  into  several  pieces,  all  the  parts,  taken  together,  will 
make  up  the  whole  orange.  But  if  the  orange  be  not  cut,  then 
it  is  entire.  That  is  entire  which  has  not  been  divided. 
That  is  whole  which  has  suffered  no  diminution.  (See  To 
separate  and  To  divide,  p.  62.) 

[  Ulys    One  touch  of  nature  makes  the  whole  world  kin— 

Troil.  and  Cress,  lii.  3 

0th. one  entire  and  perfect  chrysolite. 

Othelloy  V.  2 

that  Serbonian  bog 

Betv»ixt  Damiata  and  Mount  Casius  old 

"Where  armies  whole  have  sunk  —      P.  i.,  ii.  594 


100  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

In  cubic  phalanx  firm,  advanced  entire. 

Id.,  VI.  399 
Meantime  the  sovereignty  of  these  fair  Isles 
Remains  entire  and  indivisible.  *  The  Excursion,*  ix. 

equally  require 

That  the  whole  people  should  be  taught  and  trained.       Id.'i 

Exercise. 

"  An  action  is which  is  complete  in  all  its  parts ;  or,  as  Aristotle 

describes  it,  when  it  has  a  beginning,  a  middle,  and  an  end." 
"  Looking  tlown,  he  saw 

The world  filled  with  violence,  and  all  flesh 

Corrupting  each  their  way." 

"  And  all  so  forming  an  harmonious ." 

"  Thus  his conduct  was  made  up  of  artifice  and  deceit." 

«  The conquest  of  the  passions  is  so  difficult  a  work,  that  they 

who  despair  of  it  should  think  of  a  less  difficult  task,  and  only  attempt  to 
regulate  them." 

"  And  feeling  that  no  human  being  is ly  good,  or ly  base, 

we  learn  that  true  knowledge  of  mankind  which  induces  us  to  expect  little 
and  forgive  much." 

"  A    ruined    chapel,,  flanked    by    a    solemn    grove,    still    reared    its 

front ." 

"  There  was  a  time,  when  Etna's  silent  fire 

Slept  unperceived,  the  mountain  yet ; 

When  conscious  of  no  danger  from  below. 
She  tower'd  a  cloud-capped  pyramid  of  snow." 

His  boots  are  the  only  thing  splendid  in  his costume. 

"  How  my  adventures  will  conclude,  I  leave ly  to  Providence  ;  if 

comically,  you  shall  hear  of  them." 


On — Upon. 

In  speaking  of  objects  of  sense,  we  say  that  one  thing 
is  on  another  when  the  former  is  in  contact  with  the  upper 
surface  of  the  latter.  The  preposition  upon  is  often  used 
synonymously  with  on ;  though  it  would  be  more  correct  to 
employ  it  only  when  the  lower  substance  of  the  two  is  raised 
considerably  from  the  floor  or  earth.  According  to  this  dis- 
tinction, we  speak  of  an  object  lying  on  the  floor,  but  we 
place  something  upon  a  shelf.  So  also,  a  pigeon  perched 
upon  a  hous5  may  fly  down  and  light  on  the  ground.     A 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  101 

boy  hangs  his  hat  upon  a  peg,  and  throws  his  ball  on  the 
floor. 

In  a  secondary  sense,  upon  shews  a  closer  connection  than 
on.  "  Upon  the  receipt  of  this  letter,  he  gave  orders,  &;c. 
(immediately.")  "  On  the  death  of  the  king,  &c.  {i.  e.  in 
consequence  of,)  the  prince  succeeded  to  all  his  dominions 
and  titles." 

iPost. As  I  slept,  methought 

Great  Jupiter,  upon  his  eagle  back, 
Appeared  to  me,  with  other  spritely  shows 
Of  mine  own  kindred  ;  when  I  waked,  I  found 
This  label  on  my  bosom.  Cymbelinej  v.  5. 

Tita. in  the  spiced  Indian  air,  by  night 

Full  often  hath  she  gossiped  by  my  side  ; 
And  sat  with  me  on  Neptune's  yellow  sands 
Marking  the  embarked  traders  on  the  flood. 

Midsummer- Nigh  fs  Dreamy  ii  2 

Paul.  A  thousand  knees 

Ten  thousand  years  together,  naked,  fasting, 

Upon  a  barren  mountain,  and  still  winter 

In  storm  perpetual,  could  not  move  the  gods 

To  look  that  way  thou  wert.  Winter^s  Tale,  iii.  2 

As  when  heaven's  fire 

Hath  scathed  the  forest  oaks  or  mountain  pines, 
With  singed  top  their  stately  growth,  though  bare 
Stands  on  the  blasted  heath.  P.  L.,  i.  615. 

for  God  had  thrown 

That  mountain  as  his  garden  mould,  high  raised 
Upon  the  rapid  current  —  Id.,  ii.  227. 

As  the  mute  swan  that  floats  adown  the  stream, 
Or,  on  the  waters  of  the  unruffled  lake. 
Anchors  her  placid  beauty.  The  Excursion,  vi 

And,  like  the  water-lily,  lives  and  thrives. 
Whose  root  is  fixed  in  stable  earth,  whose  head 
Floats  on  the  tossing  waves.  Id.  v. 

Loud  is  the  Vale  ;— this  Inland  Depth 

In  peace  is  roaring  like  the  Sea  ; 

Yon  star  upon  the  mountain-top 

Is  listening  quietly.  *  Elegiac  Lines.*2 

Exercise. 

The  door  of  the  cage  being  left  open,  the  bird  flew  out,  and  after  mak- 
ing several  turns  in  the  air,  perched  the  top  of  a  high  tree,  where 

it  remained  seated  all  the  afternoon. 

Immediately the  receipt  of  this  news,  orders  were  given  to  pre- 
pare every  thing  for  an  invasion. 

Nothing  was  seen all  sides  but  the   most   abject   misery  and 

destitutiou. 

9* 


103  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

He  was  so  weak,  that  he  could  proceed  no  further ;  and  being  suddenly 

seized  with  a  dizziness,  fell the  ground  before  any  one  could  hasten 

to  his  relief. 

The  boy  placed  his  toys the  top  of  a  high  wall,  where  none  of  his 

companions  could  reach  them. 

"  As  I  did  stand  my  watch the  hill 

I  looked  towards  Birnam,  and  anon  methought 
The  wood  began  to  move." 
*' me, me,  let  all  thy  fury  fall." 


SECTION  II. 

ACTIVE    AND    PASSIVE  SYNONYMES. 

The  synonymes  ranged  under  this  division  are  distinguish- 
ed from  each  other  by  the  active  and  passive  qualities  v^^hich 
they  respectively  contain.  It  must  be  understood  that  the 
terms  active  and  passive  are  not  here  taken  in  a  grammatical 
sense.  There  are  many  verbs,  nouns,  and  adjectives,  which, 
wholly  independently  of  their  grammatical  nature,  contain  in 
the  very  ideas  they  represent  either  an  active  or  a  passive 
quality.  The  difference  between  the  two  adjectives  contented 
and  satisfied  may  be  referred  to  this  principle.  The  former 
qualifies  one  who  has  restrained  his  mind  or  desires  within  a 
certain  limit.  Here,  there  is  evidently  an  action  from  within. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  word  satisfied  refers  to  some  one  who 
is  in  a  recipient  or  passive  state.  The  contented  man  has 
acted  upon  his  own  mind.  The  satisfied  man  has  been  acted 
upon  by  others.  In  some  cases,  we  even  find  the  active  and 
passive  principle  existing,  under  different  circumstances,  in  the 
same  word.  Of  this,  the  word  fearful  will  furnish  a  curious 
example.  When  it  signifies  "  inspiring  fear,"  it  is  used  in  its 
active — when  it  means  "  filled  with  fear,"  it  is  used  in  its  pas- 
sive sense.  A  fearful  man  may  mean,  either  one  who  makes 
others  afraid,  or  one  who  is  himself  afraid.  The  difference  in 
many  hundred  pairs  of  words  may  be  determined  by  the  ap 
plication  of  this  principle  ;  the  same  idea  being  found  in  both 
words  ;  but  the  one  possessing  it  in  an  active,  and  the  other 
in  a  passive  or  recipient  state. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES  103 

Ability —  Capacity. 

Capacity  is  the  power  of  receiving  and  retaining  knowledge 
with  facility  ;  ability  is  the  power  of  applying  knowledge  to 
practical  purposes.  Both  these  faculties  are  requisite  to  form 
a  great  character  \  capacity  to  conceive,  and  ability  to  execute 
designs.  Capacity  is  shewn  in  quickness  of  apprehension. 
Ability  supposes  something  done  ;  something  by  which  the 
mental  power  is  exercised  in  executing  or  performing  what 
has  been  perceived  by  the  capacity. 

ilago.  And  though  it  be  fit  that  Cassio  have  his  place 
(For,  sure,  he  fills  it  up  with  great  ability. 

Othello,  iii.  3. 

Bru.  holding  them 

In  human  action  and  capacity 

Of  no  more  soul,  nor  fitness  for  the  world 

Than  camels  in  their  war.  Coriolanus,  ii.  1. 

If  aught  in  my  ability  may  serve 

To  lighten  what  thou  suffer'st.  Samson  Agon.,  74S. 

Capacity  not  raised  to  apprehend 

Or  value  what  is  best.  Id,,  1028. 

The  liberal  donor  of  capacities 

More  than  heroic  —  The  Excursion,  vii.] 

Exercise. 

Those  who  are  once  convinced  that  they  have ,  should  instau.ily 

act  upon  that  conviction,  and  do  something  worthy  of  themselves. 

It  is  never  necessary  to  explain  a  difficulty  twice  to  a  pupil  of  good . 

Few  persons  exert  their to  the  utmost,  or  do  all  the  good  that  lies 

in  their  power. 

"  Whatever  man  h«.s  done,  man  may  do,"  is  a  saying  expressive  of  the 
confidence  a  man  should  place  in  his  own . 

The  rules  and  exercises  in  the  book  which  I  lent  you  are  so  clearly  and 
accurately  explained,  that  they  are  intelligible  to  the  lowest . 

The  courage  of  the  soldier  and  the and  prudence  of  the  general 

are  required  to  extricate  an  army  from  a  dangerous  position. 

The  object  is  too  big  for  our when  v/e  would  comprehend  the  cir- 
cumference of  a  world. 

"  Though  a  man  has  not  the to  distinguish  himself  in  the  most 

shining  parts  of  a  great  character,  he  has  certainly  the of  being 

just,  faithful,  modest,  and  temperate." 

"  I  look  upon  an statesman  out  of  business  like  a  huge  whale, 

that  will  endeavour  to  overturn  the  ship,  miless  he  has  on  empty  cask  to 
play  with," 


104  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Aversion — Antipathy. 
.  Aversion  is  a  turning-from  ;  antipathy  is  a  feeling-against. 
An  antipathy  is  not  so  strong  as  an  aversion.  The  former  is 
a  state  of  feeling  ;  the  latter  is  a  mental  act.  There  is  more 
of  reason  in  aversion,  and  more  of  impulse  in  antipathy.  It 
is  something  in  our  own  nature  which  causes  our  aversion. 
It  is  something  in  the  nature  of  others  which  produces  our  an- 
tipathy. Antipathy  is  opposed  to  sympathy;  aversion  is  op- 
posed to  inclination.  Many  persons  feel  antipathies  to  worms, 
mice,  insects,  &;c.  The  idle  have  an  aversion  from  work.  We 
should  endeavour  to  overcome  antipathies,  and  resist  aver- 
sions. 

[Kent.  No  contraries  hold  more  antipathy. 

King  Lear,  ii.  2. 
What  if  with  like  aversion  I  reject 
Riches  and  realms  ?  P.  R.,  ii.  457. 

but  Discord  first, 

Daughter  of  &in,  among  the  irrational 
Death  introduced,  through  fierce  antipathy. 

P.  L.,  X.  709.1 

Exercise. 

There  is  a  natural  and  necessary between  good  and  bad,  in  \he 

same  way  as  we  may  imagine  the  same  to  exist  between  any  two  directly 
contrary  qualities. 

They  took  great  pleasure  in  compounding  lawsuits  among  their  neighbours, 
for  which  they  were  the of  the  gentlemen  of  the  long  robe. 

There  are  some  persons  for  whom  we  entertain  an without  being 

able  to  give  any  reason  for  our  dislike  ;  we  may  suppose,  as  some  bodies 
have  naturally  a  greater  affinity  for  each  other,  and  others  a  repelling  prin- 
ciple within  them  which  prevents  their  coming  together,  that  the  same  prin- 
ciple operates  on  the  minds  and  affections  of  men. 

When  a  man  indulges  in  solitude  to  such  a  degree  as  to  feel  a  positive 

from  mixing  in  society,  he  may  depend  upon  it  that  his  mind  is  not 

m  a  very  healthy  state. 

"  To  this  perhaps  might  be  justly  attributed  most  of  the  sympathies  and 
observable  in  men." 

"  I  cannot  forbear  mentioning  a  tribe  of  egotists,  for  whom  I  have  always 
had  a  mortal ;  I  mean  the  authors  of  memoirs  who  are  never  men- 
tioned in  any  works  but  their  own." 

*•'  There  is  one  species  of  terror  which  those  who  are  unwilling  to  suffer 

the  reproach  of  cowardice  have  wisely  dignified  with  the  name  of 

A  man  has  indeed  no  dread  of  harm  from  an  insect  or  a  worm,  but  bia 
turns  him  pale  whenever  they  approach  him." 


ox    f:NGLISH    SYNONYMES.  105 

Approva  I — Approbation. 
Approbation  is  the  state  or  feeling  of  approx  ing.  Approval 
is  the  act  of  approving.  Our  approval  is  expressed  positively  ; 
our  approbation  is  not  necessarily  made  known.  Approbation 
is  taken  in  a  passive  sense  ;  approval  in  an  active  significa- 
tion. A  virtuous  conduct  will  insure  the  approbation  of  all 
good  men.  Tradesmen  often  send  articles  to  their  customers 
on  approval.  We  may  be  anxious  for  the  approbation  of  our 
friends ;  but  we  should  be  still  more  anxious  for  the  approval 
of  our  own  conscience. 

£jr.   ''K.  Hen.  how  many,  now  in  health,  \ 

*,      -all  drop  their  blood  in  approbation  | 

f  what  your  reverence  shall  incite  us  to. 

Henry  F.,  1.  2C 
This  is  true  glory  and  renown ;  when  God, 
Looking  on  earth,  with  approbation  marks 

The  just  man P.  R.,  lii.  61 

And  now,  in  preference  to  the  mightiest  names, 
To  Thee  the  exterminating  sword  is  given. 
Dread  mark  of  approbation  justly  gciined ! 
Exalted  office,  wortliily  sustained  ! 

Wordsworth.    '  Thanksgiving  Ode.'i 

Exercise. 

"  Precept  gains  only  the  cold of  reason,  and  compels  an  assent 

which  judgment  frequently  yields  with  reluctance  even  when  delay  is  im- 
possible." 

"  There  is  a  censor  of  justice  and  manners,   without  whose no 

capital  sentences  are  to  be  executed." 

"  The  bare of  the  worth  and  goodness  of  a  thing  is  not  properly 

the  willing  of  that  thing  ;  yet  men  do  very  commonly  account  it  so." 

It  is  certain  that  at  the  first  you  were  all  of  my  opinion,  and  that  I  did 
nothing  without  your . 

*'  He  who  is  anxious  to  obtain  universal will  learn  a  good  lesson 

from  the  fable  of  the  old  man  and  his  ass." 

The  work  has  been  examined  by  several  excellent  judges,  who  have  ex- 
pressed their  unqualified of  its  plan  and  execution :  it  will,  therefore, 

be  published  without  delay. 

"  There  is  no  positive  law  of  men,  whether  received  by  formal  consent, 
as  in  councils,  or  by  secret ,  as  in  customs,  but  may  be  taken  away." 

"  There  is  as  much  difference  between  the of  the  judgment,  and 

the  actual  volitions  of  the  will,  with  regard  to  the  same  object,  as  there  is 
between  a  man's  viewing  a  desirable  thing  with  his  eye  and  reaching  after 
It  with  his  hand." 


106  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


Burden — Load, 
Whatever  we  l)ear  is  a  burden  ;  that  which  is  laid  upon  us 
is  a  load.  A  load  may  be  more  than  we  can  bear  :  a  burden 
is  troublesome  to  bear.  In  the  case  of  the  burden,  we  act,  foi 
a  burden  does  not  prevent,  but  impedes  action.  In  the  case 
of  the  load,  we  are  acted  upon,  for  a  load  may  take  away  our 
power  of  ai^ting.  We  sink  under  a  load.  We  are  uncomfort- 
able under  a  burden.  Both  the  load  and  the  burden  oppress 
us,  but  not  in  an  equal  degree.  An  evil  conscience  is  a  bur- 
den ;  a  load  of  guilt  overwhelms  the  wicked. 

{Wol.  from  these  shoulders,  '  Ik 

These  ruined  pillars,  out  of  pity,  taken 
A  load  would  sink  a  navy,  too  much  honour  : 
O  'tis  a  burden,  Cromwell,  'tis  a  burden 
Too  heavy  for  a  man  that  hopes  for  heaven. 

Henry  VIIL,  iii.  2 

strive 

In  offices  of  love  how  we  may  lighten 
Each  other's  burden,  in  our  share  of  woe. 

P.  L.,  X.  961. 
For  other  things  mild  Heaven  a  time  ordains, 
And  disapproves  that  care,  though  wise  in  show, 
That  with  superfluous  burden  loads  the  day 
And,  when  God  sends  a  cheerful  hour,  refrains. 

Milton.    '  Sonnets.* 
Meekly  thou  didst  resign  this  earthly  load 

Of  death,  called  life. Id. 

while  in  your  pride  ye  contemplate 

Your  talents,  power  or  wisdom,  deem  him  not 
A  burthen  of  the  earth. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Cumberland  Beggar, 
See,  where  his  difficult  way  that  old  man  wins. 

Bent  by  a  load  of  mulberry  leaves  ! 

*  Memorials  of  Tour  in  Italy.*} 

Exercise. 

I  am  sure,  you  that  know  my  laziness  and  extreme  indifference  on  thia 
subject  will  pity  me,  entangled  in  all  these  ceremonies,  which  are  a  wonder- 
ful   to  me. 

"  I  understood  not  that  a  grateful  mind 
By  owing,  owes  not,  but  still  pays,  at  once 
Indebted  and  discharged :  what  —        ■  then  ?" 
The  poor  horse  appeared  to  move  forward  with  extreme  difficulty,  and 
after  having  performed  about  half  the  journey,  sank  to  the  ground  utterly 

overwhelmed  with  the  weight  of  the he  had  to  drag. 

He  had  too  much  spirit,  however,  to  become  a to  his  friends,  and 


CN  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  107 

immediately  determined  to  qualify  himself  for  some  office  which  would  ena"- 
fele  him  to  earn  his  livelihood  and  be  independent  of  others'  assistance. 
"  Let  India  boast  her  groves,  nor  envy  we 
The  weeping  amber  and  the  balmy  tree, 

While  by  our  oaks  the  precious are  borne. 

And  realms  commanded  which  these  trees  adorn." 

The  idle  cannot  be  happy ;  they  are  a —  to  themselves  and  others. 

*'  None  of  the  things  they  are  to  learn  should  ever  be  made  a  — — to 

them,  or  imposed  on  th-em  as  a  task." 


Chief- — Head, 

Chief  has  an  active  meaning.  Head  is  used  in  f  passive 
sense.  Head  is  a  natural  distinction ;  chief  is  an  acquired 
distinction.  Chief  is  the  principal  actor,  head  is  the  principal 
person.  The  chief  of  a  tribe  ;  the  head  of  a  family.  A  chief 
magistrate,  a  commander-in-chief.  The  head  of  a  profession, 
the  head  of  the  church, 

[Men.  my  friends 

(Of  w  om  he's  chief)  CoriolanuSf  v.  2. 

Dau.  Of  what  a  monarchy  you  are  ihe  head.    Henry  K,  ii.  4. 
O  prince,  O  chief  of  many  throned  powers, 
That  led  the  imbatteled  seraphim  to  war  P.  L.,  i.  128. 

Forthwith  from  every  scjuadron  and  each  band 
The  heads  and  leaders  thither  haste.  Id.,  358. 

Less  vivid  wreath  entwined 

Nemaean  victor's  brow ;  less  bright  was  worn, 
Meed  of  some  Roman  chief— in  triumph  borne 
With  captives  chained Wordsworth,  p.  349.] 

Exercise. 

«  No like  thee,  Menestheus,  Greece  could  yield 

To  marshal  armies  in  the  dusty  field." 

<i  The s  of  the sects  of  philosophy,  as  Thales,  Anaxagoras, 

and  Pythagoras,  did  consent  to  this  tradition." 

"  A  prudent not  always  must  display 

His  powers  in  equal  ranks  and  fair  array. 
But  with  th*  occasion  and  the  place  comply, 
Conceal  his  force,  nay,  sometimes  seem  to  fly." 

"  Your I  him  appoint, 

And  by  myself  have  sworn,  to  him  shall  bow 
All  knees  hi  Heaven,  and  shall  confess  hun  Lord." 
As  three  weeks  had  now  ela|)sed  without  the  arrival  of  the  expected  rein* 


108  PRACTICAL  EXERClSES^ 

forcement,  the  ■  met  together  to  consult  upon  what  was  best  to  b» 

done  in  this  emergency. 

She  was  a  woman  of  such  uncommon  talent  and  singular  prudence,  that 

at  the  age  of  nineteen,  she  was  already  judged  fit  to  be  the of  a 

large  establishment. 

"  Waverley  pursued  his  course  silently  in  the  same  direction,  determined 

to  let  the take  his  own  time  in  recovering  the  good-humour  which  he 

had  so  unreasonably  discarded,  and  firm  in  his  resolution  not  to  bate  him  an 
inch  of  dignity." 

"  The  queen  is  acknowledged  as  the of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land." 

"  As  each  is  more  able  to  distinguish  himself  as • —  of  a  party,  he  will 

less  readily  bo  made  a  follower  oi  associate." 


Consent — Assent. 

Assent  is  given  to  a  wish  or  an  opinion  ;  consent,  to  an  act. 
The  former  word  is  applied  to  abstract  ideas  ;  the  latter,  to 
actions.  We  say  properly — It  was  with  great  difficulty  that 
his  consent  to  the  marriage  was  gained.  When  we  say,  he 
nodded  assent,  it  signifies  that  he  expressed  that  his  opinion 
or  wish  was  in  accordance  with  that  of  another  person.  We 
may  consent  to  what  does  not  please  us,  but  we  cannot  assent 
to  what  we  do  not  believe.  We  refuse  what  we  do  not  con- 
sent to  do ;  we  deny  what  we  do  not  assent  to.  Consent  ia 
used  in  an  active,  assent  in  a  passive  sense. 

[Apoth.  My  poverty,  but  not  my  will  consents. 

Romeo  and  Juliet,  v.  1. 

Sur. without  the  king's  assent,  or  knowledge, 

You  wrought  to  be  a  legate :  King  Henry  VIII.,  iii.  2 

Hear  what  assaults  I  had,  what  snares  besides, 
What  sieges  girt  me  round,  ere  I  consented. 

S,  A.,  846. 

with  full  assent 

They  vcrte P.  L.,  ii.  388. 

these  inward  chains, 

Fixed  in  his  soul,  so  early  and  so  deep ; 
Without  his  own  consent  or  knowledge  fixed ! 

*  The  Excursion,^  viiL 

the  thoughts 

That  in  assent  or  opposition,  rose 

Within  his  mind Id,} 


07^  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  109 

Exercise. 

He  declared  that  he  would  never to  such  pernicious  principles. 

We  never  could  gain  his to  join  our  party. 

He  entirely to  the  truth  of  the  proposition. 

Charles  I.,  in  his  last  moments,  wlis  filled  with  remorse  for  having ^ 

to  the  execution  of  the  Earl  of  Strafford. 

"  O  no !  our  reason  was  not  irainly  lent. 
Nor  is  a  slave  by  its  own !" 

In  this  situation  of  affairs,  the*  king  found  himself  obliged  to  accede  to  the 
wibhes  of  the  nation  which  were  so  unequivocally  expressed ;  he  therefore 

gave  his to  the  bill,  and  thus  secured  his  power,  if  not  durably,  at 

least  for  some  years  longer. 

King  Edward to  spare  the  town  of  Calais,  on  condition  that  six 

of  its  principal  citizens  should  be  delivered  over  to  him. 

"  All  the  arguments  on  both  sides  must  be  laid  in  the  balance,  and  ispon 
the  whole,  the  understanding  determine  its ." 


Cultivation — Culture. 
Cultivation  denotes  the  act  of  cultivating  :  culture,  the  state 
of  being  cultivated.  Culture  applies  to  the  soil :  cultivation^  to 
what  grows  in  it.  The  culture  of  the  earth ;  the  cultivation 
of  corn.  Metaphorically,  the  same  distinction  exists.  We 
speak  of  the  culture  of  the  intellect ;  and  of  the  cultivation  of 
any  one  of  its  powers,  as  the  taste,  memory,  &c.  The  object 
of  culture  is  to  cause  production  :  thus  the  culture  of  the  mind 
is  attended  to  in  early  years,  in  order  to  prepare  the  soil  to 
bear  fruit.  The  object  of  cultivation  is  to  improve  and  per- 
fect :  thus,  we  direct  our  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  those 
arts  or  sciences  in  which  we  wish  to  excel.  Cultivation  is 
sometimes  used  to  represent  the  state  of  being  cultivated,  as 
well  as  the  act  of  cultivating. 

[ on  the  mountain- top 

Or  in  the  cultured  field '  The  Excursion,^  iv.] 

Exercise. 

Those  excellent  seeds  implanted  at  an  early  age  will  by be  most 

flourishing  in  production. 

"  If  vain  our  toil. 

We  ought  to  blame  the ,  not  the  soil." 

"  The  plough  was  not  invented  till  after  the  Deluge ;  the  earth  requir- 

40 


no  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

ing  little  or  no ,  but  yielding  its  increase  freely,  and  without  labmw 

or  toil." 

There  is  no  duty  more  incumbent  upon  us  than  the  — of  our  tastes ; 

by  this  we  shall  never  be  at  a  loss  for  occupation,  and  consequently  less  liable 
than  others  to  fall  into  temptations. 

The  state  of among  this  rude  people  was  so  imperfect,  that  it  was 

with  difficulty  they  could  afford  subsistence  to  their  new  guests. 

In  many  of  the  West-India  islands  the  soil  is  naturally  so  rich,  and  re- 
quires so  little ,  that  it  produces  many  plants  and  vegetables  almost 

spontaneously. 

The  tea-plant  hcis  never  been successfully  out  of  China. 


Deity — Divinity . 

Deity  signifies  the  person  ;  Divinity,  the  essence  or  nature 
of  God.  Deity  regards  God  as  an  agent ;  divinity  is  an  at- 
tribute of  God.  When  we  speak  of  the  deities  of  the  Grecian 
mythology,  we  mean  the  persons  of  their  gods.  The  divinity 
of  Christ  signifies  the  divine  nature  of  Christ.  We  speak  of 
the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of  the  Deity  ;  not  of  the 
divinity. 

{Com. he  leads  them  like  a  thing 

Made  by  some  other  deity  than  nature.        Coriolanus,  iv.  6. 

Ham.  There's  a  divinity  that  shapes  our  ends 
Rough-hew  them  how  we  will.  Hamlet,  v.  2. 

By  prayer  the  offended  Deity  to  appease     P.  L.,  xi.  149. 

and  fancy  that  they  feel 

Divinity  within  them  breeding  wings.  Id.,  ix.  1010. 

empowers  him  to  perceive 

The  voice  of  Deity,  on  height  and  plain, 
Whispering  those  truths  in  stillness,  which  the  Word 
To  the  four  quarters  of  the  winds,  proclaims. 

*  The  Excursion,^  V 

the  tempestuous  sea 

Of  Ignorance,  that  ran  so  rough  and  high, 

And  heeded  not  the  voice  of  clashing  swords, 

These  good  men  humble  by  a  few  bare  words, 

And  calm  with  fear  of  God's  divinity.  *  EccUsias.  Sonnets.'*] 

Exercise. 

The  habitual  contemplation  and  study  of  the  works  of  Nature  are  well 
formed  to  increase  our  veneration  for  the . 

The  temples  of  the  Greeks  took  their  names  from  the to  whose 

honor  they  were  erected ;  some  were  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  one 
,  others  to  that  of  many. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  Ill 

The who  presided  over  agriculture  were  the  daughters  of  Cecrops, 

who  are  called  the  earliest  priestesses  of  Pallas. 

The  word  oracle  was  used  by  the  ancients  to  designate  not  only  the  re- 
velations made  by  the to  man  ;  but  also,  the  place  in  which  such 

revelations  were  made. 

The  Scriptures  were  written  by  the  inspiration  of  the . 

Among  the  ancient  Romans,  the  sources  of  rivers  were  sacred  to  some 
,  and  cultivated  with  religious  ceremonies. 


Before  proceeding  any  further,  he  offered  a  sacrifice  to  the of  the 

fountain. 

Whatever  occurred  to  those  who  were  sacrificing,  and  in  doubt  what  to 
say,  was  supposed  to  be  suggested  by  some . 

"  Will  you  suffer  a  temple,  how  poorly  built  soever,  but  yet  a  temple  of 
your ,  to  be  razed  ?" 

"  But  first  she  cast  about  to  change  her  shape,  for  fear  the  •  of  her 

countenance  might  dazzle  his  mortal  sight,  and  overcharge  the  rest  of  his  • 


Example — Instance. 
An  example  is  a  thing  or  person.  An  instance  is  something 
done.  The  former  has  an  active,  the  latter  a  passive  sense. 
An  example  practically  illustrates  a  rule  ;  the  object  of  an 
example  is  to  instruct.  An  instance  is  a  case  in  which  some- 
thing is  represented  as  done  ;  the  object  of  an  instance  is  to 
illustrate.  Men  are  examples  of  virtue  or  vice  ;  the  actions 
of  men  are  instances  of  virtue  or  vice.  An  example  is  held 
up  for  imitation  or  avoidance  ;  an  instance  is  related  in  order 
to  shew  us  why  we  should  imitate  or  avoid.  An  example  in- 
cites us  to  act ;  an  instance  excites  us  to  reflect. 

iHam.  Examples,  gross  as  earth,  exhort  me. 

Hamlet,  iv.  4. 
Jaq^.  Full  of  wise  saws  and  modem  instances 

As  You  Like  It,  ii.  7 

the  only  son  of  light 

In  a  dark  age,  agamst  example  good.         P.  Z..,  xi.  809 
Let  no  mean  hope  your  souls  enslave ; 
Be  independent,  generous,  brave ; 
Your  Father  such  example  gave. 

And  such  revere  ; 
But  be  admonished  by  his  grave, 

And  think  and  fear !        Wordsworth.    *  To  the  Sons  of  Bums,* 

as  we  stand  on  holy  earth, 

And  have  the  dead  around  us,  take  from  them 

Your  instances.  *  The  Excursion^*  v. J 


112  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 

He  conducts  himself  in  every  respect  so  properly,  that  he  is  an  » 

to  all  the  other  boys  in  the  school. 

I  am  acquainted  with  many s  of  his  kindness  and  generosity,  not 

only  to  his  relations  and  friends,  but  also  to  all  those  whom  he  may  know 
to  stand  in  need  of  his  assistance. 

Demosthenes  is  commonly  cited  as  an of  the  most  determined 

perseverance  the  world  ever  beheld  ;  he  surmounted  every  natural  obstacle 
by  his  undaunted  resolution,  and  finished  by  becoming  the  most  renowned 
orator  that  ever  existed  in  any  age  or  country. 

Innumerable are  related  of  his  perseverance  ;  among  others,  the 

accounts  of  his  repeating  his  verses  by  the  seashore,  his  reciting  with  peb- 
bles in  his  mouth,  his  shutting  himself  in  his  room  and  studying  a  whole 
month  at  a  time,  ^c,  &lc. 

If  we  wish  others  to  be  good,  we  should  set  them  an by  doing 

well  ourselves ;  for  we  may  be  sure  that  what  we  do  will  have  a  much 
more  lasting  effect  on  others  than  what  we  say. 

*'  Are  sculpture  and  poetry  thus  debased,"  he  cried,  "  to  perpetuate  the 
memory  of  a  man  whose  best  advantage  is  to  be  forgotten ;  whose  no  one 
action  merits  record,  but  as  an to  be  shunned  ?" 


Facility — Ease . 
Ease  denotes  the  state  of  a  person  or  thing.  Facility  re- 
fers to  the  doing  of  a  thing.  It  is  something  real  or  apparent 
in  the  nature  of  the  thing  which  causes  it  to  be  done  with  ease. 
Facility  is  a  power  belonging  to  the  agent,  and  regards  the  pe- 
culiar skill  of  him  who  performs.  A  practised  hand  performs 
with  facility.  An  easy  task  may  be  accomplished  with  facility. 
We  now  see  why  a  man  is  said  to  live  at  his  ease,  and  not  at 
his  facility. 

[lago.  Why,  he  drinks  you,  with  facility,  your  Dane  dead  drunk. 

Othello,  ii.  3. 

Mira.  and  I  should  do  it, 

With  much  more  ease  ;  for  my  good  will  is  to  it. 

And  yours  against.  Tempest,  iii.  1 

and  winds  with  ease 

Through  the  pure  marble  air  his  oblique  way 
Amongst  innumerable  stars. P.  L  ,  iii.  563  J 

Exercise. 
•  is  the  utmost  that  can  be  hoped  from  a  sedentary  and  indolent 


habit." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  113 

"  Every  one  must  have  remarked  the with  which  the  kindness 

of  others  is  sometimes  gained  by  those  to  whom  he  never  could  have  im- 
parted his  own." 

"  True in  writing  comes  from  art,  not  chance, 

As  those  move  easiest  who  have  learnt  to  dance." 

"  Nothing  is  more  subject  to  mistake  and  disappointment,  than  antici- 
pated judgment  concerning  the or  difficulty  of  any  undertaking." 

"  They  who  have  studied,  have  not  only  learned  many  excellent  things, 

but  also  have  acquired  a  great of  profiting  themselves,  by  reading 

good  authors." 

Every  thing  appeared to  him  ;  and,  by  dint  of  continued  practice, 

he  acquired  a  wonderful of  execution. 

From  this  time  forward,  he  lived  at  his ,  as  he  was  thus  freed  from 

the  necessity  of  providing  for  his  daily  bread. 

"  The  which  we  acquire  of  doing  things  by  habit  makes  them 

often  pass  in  us  without  our  notice." 

"  Nobody  is  under  an  obligation  to  know  every  thing ;   knowledge  and 

science,  in  general,  is  the  business  only  of  those  who  are  at and 

leisure." 


Faith — Belief. 
Belief  exists  ;  faith  acts.  Belief  is  a  passive  faith,  and  faith 
is  an  active  belief.  It  has  been  said  that  ^^ faith  will  remove 
mountains.'^  We  could  not  here  substitute  the  word  belief  for 
faith,  because  belief  is  merely  the  passive  quality.  Faith  im- 
pels us  to  action,  and  is  grounded  on  our  belief. 

[Sal.  A  voluntary  zeal,  and  unurged  faith. 

King  Johny  v.  2. 
Bra.  Belief  of  it  oppresses  me  already.     Othello,  i.  1. 

with  what  faith 

He  leaves  his  gods,  his  friends,  and  native  soil. 

P.  L.,  xii.  128. 
Yet  hope  would  fain  subscribe,  and  tempts  belief. 

S.  A.,  1535. 

acquiescence  in  the  Will  supreme 

For  time  and  for  eternity ;  by  faith, 

Faith  absolute  in  God,  including  hope, 

And  the  defence  that  lies  in  boundless  love 

Of  his  perfections *  The  Excursiortj^  iv. 

One  solace  yet  remains  for  us  who  came 

Into  this  world  in  days  when  story  lacked 

Severe  research,  that  in  our  hearts  we  know 

How,  for  exciting  youth's  heroic  flame, 

Assent  is  power,  belief  the  soul  of  fact.     '  Memorials  of  Tour  in  Italy.  3 

10* 


114  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 

"  No  man  can  attain by  the  bare  contemplation  of  heaven  and 

earth  ;  for  that  they  neither  are  sufficient  to  give  us  as  much  as  the  least 

spark  of  light  concerning  the  very  principal  mysteries  of  our ." 

" builds  a  bridge  across  the  gulf  of  death, 

To  break  the  shock  blind  nature  cannot  shun, 
And  lands  thought  smoothly  on  the  farther  shore." 
"  The  Epicureans  contented  themselves  with  a  denial  of  Providence,  as- 
serting, at  the  same  time,  the  existence  of  gods  in  general,  because  they 

would  not  shock  the  common of  mankind." 

"  There shall  fail,  and  holy  hope  shall  die, 

One  lost  in  certainty,  and  one  in  joy." 
"  Supposing  all  the  great  points  of  atheism  were  formed  into  a  kind  of 
creed,  I  would  fain  ask  whether  it  would  not  require  an  infinitely  greater 

measure   of ,   than   any   set   of  articles  which   they   so  violently 

oppose  ?" 

*'  I  reject  all  sectarian  intolerance — I  affect  no  uncharitable  jargon ; 
frankly,  I  confess,  that  I  have  known  many,  before  whose  virtues  I  bow 
down  ashamed  of  my  own  errors,  though  they  were  not  guided  and  support- 
ed by ." 


"  Felix  heard  Paul  concerning  the  - 


Falsehood — Falsity. 

Between  falsity  and  falsehood  there  is  this  difference — that 
falsity  is  passive,  and  falsehood  active  falseness.  Some  men 
practise  falsehood ;  but  we  cannot  say  that  they  practise 
falsity,  since  this  latter  word  is  the  state  or  quality  of  being 
false  ;  not  the  act  of  doing  falsely.  "  Probability  does  not 
make  any  alteration,  either  in  the  truth  or  falsity  of  things." 
Falsity  is  always  used  as  the  abstract  false  ;  falsehood  is  used 
in  both  senses  ;  as  the  abstract  false,  and  as  a  false  assertion. 
When  the  falsity  of  an  assertion  is  made  evident,  it  is  proved 
to  be  a  falsehood. 

iCym.  Winnow  the  truth  from  falsehood Cymheline,  v.  5. 

for  no  falsehood  can  endure 

Touch  of  celestial  temper P.  L.,  iv.  811 

By  falsities  and  lies  the  greatest  part 
Of  mankind  they  corrupted  to  forsake 
God  their  creator W.,  i.  367.J 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  115 

Exercise, 

**  All  deception  in  the  course  of  life  is,  indeed,  nothing  else  but  a  li6  re- 
duced to  practice,  and —  passing  from  words  to  things." 

The of  his  pretensions  was,  however,  discovered,  and  universally 

admitted,  so  that  he  soon  lost  all  his  followers,  and  was  obliged  to  quit  the 
couat^-y. 

•'  Many  temptations  to will  occur  in  the  disguise  of  passions,  too 

(>peoious  to  fear  much  resistance.'* 

'*  Neither  are  they  able  to  break  through  those  errors,  wherein  they  are 
so  determinately  settled,  that  they  pay  unto the  whole  sum  of  what- 
soever love  is  due  unto  God's  truth." 

"  Artificer  of  fraud ;  he  was  the  first 
That  practised under  saintly  show." 

It  must  not  be  forgotten  that  these  are  not  arguments,  but  mere  assertions  ; 

and  we  can  hardly  be  expected  to  believe  them  till  then:  truth  or be 

tested. 

Travellers,  from  a  love  of  exaggeration,  frequently  introduce into 

their  narratives. 


Force — Strength, 

Strength  expresses  the  quality  of  being  strong.  Force  is 
active :  it  is  strength  exerted.  An  argument  has  the  same 
strength,  whether  it  be  employed  or  not ;  but  it  has  no  force 
unless  it  be  applied.  Force,  in  fact,  is  strength  put  in  action. 
A  man  collects  his  strength,  to  strike  with  force.  We  speak 
of  the  strength  of  a  wall  or  tower,  and  of  the  force  of  water 
or  stream.  Strength  resists  attacks ;  force  puts  the  invaders 
o  flight. 

[Bast.  Against  whose  fury  and  unmatched  force 
The  awless  lion  could  not  wage  the  fight.  King  John,  i.  1. 

Isah.  O,  it  is  excellent 

To  have  d  giant's  strength ;  but  it  is  tyrannous 

To  use  it  like  a  giant.  Meas.for  Meas.j  11.  2. 

like  Alcestis,  from  the  grave, 

Whom  Jove's  great  son  to  her  glad  husband  gave, 

Rescued  from  death  by  force Milton.    *  Sonnets 


she  has  a  hidden  strength 

Which  you  remember  not. 

Sec.  Bro.  What  hidden  strength 

Unless  the  strength  of  Heaven,  if  you  mean  that. 

ComuSy  415. 
O  joyless  power  that  stands  by  lawless  force  ! 

WoEDSwoRTH.    *  Sonnets  to  Liberty,* 


116  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


-  Winds  blow  and  waters  roll, 


Strength  to  the  brave,  and  Power,  and  Deity ; 
Yet  in  themselves  are  nothing Id."} 

Exercise, 

Feats  of or  agility  excite  our  wonder  and  surprise,  but  they  seldom 

raise  in  us  any  ^reat  degree  of  admiration. 

The  lightning  struck  the  oak  with  such ,  that  all  the  branches  on 

one  side  of  it  were  stripped  off,  and  a  deep  mark  left  in  the  bark  from  the  top 
to  the  bottom  of  the  tree. 

The  Grecian  mythologlsts  represent  Atlas  as  a  man  of  such  immense 
,  that  he  could  bear  the  world  on  his  shoulders. 

While  endeavouring  to  reach  the  shore,  one  of  the  rowers  pulled  the  oar 

with  such ,  that  it  suddenly  snapped  eisunder,  and  the  party  were 

consequently  delayed  an  hour. 

Nothing  can  resist  the —  of  truth  ;  the  most  wicked  and  abandoned 

acknowledge  her  power,  and  are  confounded  by  her  steady  gaze. 

The  pier  had  not  sufficient '■ —  to  withstand  the of  the  waves, 

and  in  the  morning  the  whole  structure  was  a  miserable  wreck. 

He  attacked  the  enemy's  entrenchments  witU  such  ,  that  they 

were  taken,  and  the  camp  abandoned  in  less  than  half  an  hour. 

"  No  definitions,  no  suppositions  of  any  sect,  are  of enough  to  de- 
stroy constant  experience." 


Forgetfulness —  Oblivion . 
These  two  words  will  fall  under  the  class  of  active  and  pas- 
sive. Forgetfulness  refers  to  persons  ;  oblivion,  to  things.  We 
cannot  speak  of  things  buried  in  forgetfulness,  nor  can  we  allude 
to  the  oblivion  of  men.  The  former  is  an  act  of  the  mind — 
the  latter,  a  state  of  things.  Oblivion  refers  to  things  forgot- 
ten ;  forgetfulness,  to  those  who  forget  them.  Persons  are 
forgetful ;  things  are  lost  in  oblivion. 

iBuck.  the  swallowing  gulf 

Of  dark  forgetfulness  and  deep  oblivion.  Richard  Ill.y  iii.  7 

Cor. That  we  have  been  familiar, 

Ingrate  forgetfulness  shall  poison,  rather 

Than  pity  note  how  much Coriolanus,  v.  %. 

Duke.  A  forted  residence,  'gainst  the  tooth  of  time 

And  razure  of  oblivion Meas.for  Meas.  v.  1 

with  one  small  drop  to  lose 

In  sweet  forgetfulness  all  pain  and  woe.  P  L.,  ii.  608. 

Nameless  in  dark  oblivion  let  them  dwell.         Id.,  vi.  380. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  117 

Our  birth  is  bat  a  sleep  and  a  forgettiiiff : 
The  soul  that  rises  with  us,  our  life's  star, 

Hath  had  elsewhere  its  setting, 
And  Cometh  from  afar  ; 

Not  in  entire  forgetfulness, 

And  not  in  utter  nakedness. 
But  trailing  clouds  of  glory  do  we  come 

From  God,  who  is  our  home.  "Wordsworth.    *  Ode^  ifC.'''^ 

Exercise, 

"  I  have  read  in  ancient  authors  invitations  to  lay  aside  care  and  anxiety, 
and  give  a  loose  to  that  pleeising wherein  men  put  off  theh:  charac- 
ters of  business." 

"  Thou  shouldst  have  heard  many  things  of  worthy  memory,  which  shall 

now  die  in ,  and  thou  return  unexperienced  to  thy  grave." 

"  O  gentle  sleep  .' 
Nature's  soft  nurse,  how  have  I  frighted  thee, 
That  thou  no  more  wilt  weigh  my  eyelids  down, 

And  steep  my  senses  in !" 

**  By  the  act  of ,  all  offences  against  the  crown,  and  all  particula 

trespasses  between  subject  and  subject,  were  pardoned,  remitted,  and  utterly 
extinguished." 

"  Have  you  not  love  enough  to  bear  with  me. 
When  that  rash  humour  which  my  mother  gave  me 

Makes  me V" 

"  Water-drops  have  worn  the  stones  of  Troy, 

And  blind swallowed  cities  up, 

And  mighty  states,  characterless,  are  grated 
To  dusty  nothing." 
"  The  debt  immense  of  endless  gratitude. 
So  burdensome,  still  paying,  still  to  owe, 
what  from  him  I  still  received." 


Grief- — Affliction . 
Grief  signifies  the  heaviness  of  heart  which  is  caused  by 
calamity  or  misfortune.  Affliction  signifies  a  prostration  of 
the  feelings,  and  is  the  strongest  term  we  have  to  express  the 
sufferings  of  the  heart.  Grief  is  generally  loud  in  expression, 
and  shews  itself  by  violent  gestures,  such  as  wringing  the 
hands,  beating  the  breast,  &:c.  Affliction  is  the  sadness  of 
silence.  Grief  requires  to  be  soothed ;  affliction,  to  be  com- 
forted.    Grief  complains,  affliction  suffers.     We  raise  up  the 


118  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

afflicted ;  we  pacify  grief ;  hence  grief  is  an  active,  and  af- 
fliction a  passive  quality, 

[.Const.  Grief  fills  the  room  up  of  my  absent  child, 
Lies  in  his  bed,  walks  up  and  down  with  me ; 
Puts  on  his  pretty  looks,  repeats  his  words, 
Remembers  me  of  all  his  gracious  parts, 
Stuffs  out  his  vacant  garments  with  his  form ; 
Tiien,  have  I  reason  to  be  fond  of  grief.       King  John,  iii.  4. 
0th.  Had  it  pleased  Heaven 

To  try  me  with  affliction Othello,  iv.  2. 

for  grief  and  spite, 

Cast  herself  headlong  from  the  Ismenian  steep. 

P.  R.,  iv.  574. 
Which  is  my  chief  affliction,  shame,  anc  sorrow. 

S.  A.,  457. 
No  more  shall  grief  of  mine  the  season  wrong : 

Wordsworth.    '  Ode  Intim.  Immor  * 

Blest  are  they 

Whose  sorrow  rather  is  to  suffer  wrong  ^ 

Than  to  do  wrong,  albeit  themselves  have  erred. 

This  tale  gives  proof  that  Heaven  most  gently  deals 

With  such  in  their  affliction. The  Excursion,  vii.] 

Exercise, 

caused  by  the  death  of  her  only  son  had  so  worked  upon  the  poor 

widow's  feelings,  that  in  a  few  weeks  she  was  reduced  almost  to  a  skeleton 

In  addition  to  her  other  misfortunes,  the  old  woman  had  now  become 

quite  blind ;  she  bore  this  new ,  however,  with  the  greatest  fortitude, 

and  soon  resumed  her  wonted  cheerfulness  of  manner. 

On  receiving  this  sad  news,  he  burst  out  into  exclamations  of  the  most 

passionate ,  declaring  that  he  had  now  nothing  to  live  for,  and  that 

there  was  no  more  happiness  for  him  in  this  world. 

I  endeavoured  to  soothe  his ;  and,  after  some  time,  succeeded  in 

satisfying  him  of  the  necessity  of  submitting  to  the . 

In  all  our ,  the  reflection  that  there  is  a  compensating  power, 

which  will  make  up  for  every  partial  evil,  must  he  an  unfailing  source  of 
consolation. 

and are  the  common  lot  of  mankind. 

"  The  mother  was  so at  the  loss  of  a  fine  boy  who  was  her  only 

eon,  that  she  died  for of  it." 

"  Where  shall  we  find  the  man  that  bears , 

Great  and  majestic  in  his like  Cato  ?" 

"  Some  virtues  are  only  seen  in '■ —  and  some  in  prosperity  " 


Hatred —  Odium . 
Hatred  is  an  active  feeling.     Odium  is  the  feeling  in  a  pas- 
sive state.     We  do  hatred,  but  we  suffer  odium.     Odium  is  the 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  11^ 

feeling  as  respects  those  who  are  hated  ;  hatred  is  the  feeling 
as  concerns  those  who  hate.  A  tyrant  incurs  the  hatred  of 
all  good  men,  and  by  his  actions  brings  upon  himself  the  pub- 
lic odium.  The  odium  of  an  offence  will  sometimes  fall  upon 
the  innocent.  He  persecuted  his  victim  with  unrelenting* 
hatred. 

iNor.  What  his  high  hatred  could  effect,  wants  not 
A  minister  in  his  power.  Henry  VI 1 1.,  i.  1. 

Busiris  and  his  Memphian  chivalry- 
While  with  perfidious  hatred  they  pursued 
The  sojourners  of  Goshen.  P.  L.,  i.  308. 

vowing  that  the  stream  should  bear 

That  name  through  every  age,  her  hatred  to  declare. 

WoRDSWOKTH.     '  Artegol  and  Elidure.'} 

Exercise. 

" is  the  passion  of  defiance ;  and  there  is  a  kind  of  hostility  in- 
cluded in  its  very  essence  ;  but  then,  if  there  could  have  been in  the 

world  when  there  was  scarcely  any  thing ,  it  would  have  acted  with- 
in the  compass  of  its  proper  object." 

The  king  incurred  all  the which  should  have  fallen  on  the  project- 
ors or  inventors  of  all  these  unpopular  measures. 

The  slightest  and  most  innocent  occasions  often  produce  ,  and 

propagate  quarrels  in  the  world. 

Religious  wars  have  always  been  characterized  by  the and  ruth- 
less cruelty  with  which  they  have  been  carried  on. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  services  he  had  rendered  his  country,  Miltiades 

incurred  the of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  fell  a  victim  to  tlu©  jealousy 

of  his  countrymen. 

Henry  VII.  W£is  personally  brave,  but  he  was  a  lover  of  peace :  but  the 
great  blemish  of  his  character  was  avarice  ;  and  on  all  occasions  he  evinced 
an  implacable to  the  house  of  York. 

"  Retain  no  malice  nor against  any  ;  be  ready  to  do  them  all  the 

kindness  you  are  able." 

"  The and  offences  which  some  men's  rigour  and  remissness  had 

contracted  upon  my  government,  I  was  resolved  to  have  expiated." 


Inclination — Disposition. 

A  disposition  is  that  state  of  mind  which  may  be  easily 

turned  towards   some  particular  object.     An  inclination  is  a 

positive  tendency  towards  an  object.     Disposition  regards  the 

whole  frame  of  mind;  inclination  has  reference  to  single  acts. 


120  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

A  disposition  for  study  expresses  merely  a  passive  state, 
which  exhibits  natural  capacity  for  it ;  an  inclination  for  study 
expresses  a  leaning  of  the  mind,  or  ability  for  it.  I  am  dis- 
posed to  do  that  to  which  I  have  no  objection.  I  am  inclined 
to  do  what  I  have  a  wish  for.  On  solemn  occasions,  the 
mind  is  disposed  to  be  grave  and  serious.  The  sight  of  what 
is  absurd  raises  in  us  an  inclination  to  laughter.  Dispositions 
are  cherished  or  overcome  ;  inclinations  are  yielded  to  or  re- 
pressed. 

lOli.  for  'tis 

The  royal  disposition  of  that  beast 

To  prey  on  nothing  that  doth  seem  as  dead. 

As  You  Like  Ity  iv.  3. 

King.  Pray  can  I  not, 

Though  inclination  be  as  sharp  as  will. 

Hamletf  ill.  3. 
Go  whither  fate  and  inclination  strong 
Leads  thee.  P.  L.,  x.  265. 

The  gracious  inclination,  the  just  rule, 
Kind  wishes,  and  good  actions,  and  pure  thoughts. 

The  Excursion,  ix. 

constant  disposition  of  his  thoughts 

To  sympathy  with  man.  Id.,  i.] 

Exercise. 

Julius  Caesar  is  said  to  have  been  a  man  of  most  amiable ;  his 

first  care,  after  gaining  a  victory,  was  to  spare  the  vanquished,  and  on  all 
occasions  he  shewed  more to  mercy  than  severity. 

One  of  the  most  essential  points  in  forming  a  good  is  to  represB 

every to  satire  and  vanity. 

On  beholding  so  ludicrous  a  scene,  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that 
I  could  check  my to  laughter. 

Henry  VIII.  was  never  known  to  sacrifice to  the  mterest  or  hap- 
piness of  another. 

Towards  the  latter  part  of  Charles  the  Second's  reign,  the  indolent  - 

of  the  king  threw  the  direction  of  affairs  very  much  into  the  hands  of  his 
brother,  the  Duke  of  York. 

"  The  love  we  bear  to  our  friends  is  generally  caused  by  our  finding  the 
eame  '  in  them  which  we  feel  in  ourselves." 

— ^-^' 


Intellect — Understanding, 
The  understanding  is  the  faculty  by  which  all  who  are  not 
idiots  perceive  evident  truths.      The  intellect  is  the  under- 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  121 

standing  in  a  state  of  action,  and  is  engaged  in  the  discovery 
of  abstract  and  hidden  truths.  Children  have  understandings  ; 
men  have  intellect.  It  requires  but  a  common  understanding 
to  perceive  the  truth  of  such  a  proposition  as :  "  The  fire 
burns,"  or  "  the  fields  are  green."  It  requires  an  operation  of 
the  intellect  to  perceive  the  truth  of  the  proposition :  "  Every 
triangle  contains  two  right  angles."  Understanding  is  a  pas- 
sive word  ;  it  simply  admits  or  perceives  truth.  The  intellect 
is  active,  it  does  something — works — invents — discovers. 
Newton's  intellect,  not  his  understanding,  led  to  his  discovery 
of  gravitation. 

iQueen. Hath  Bolingbroke 

Deposed  thine  intellect?  Rich,  II.,  v.  1. 

King.  An  understanding  simple  and  unschooled. 
Hamlety  i.  2. 
All  heart  they  live,  all  head,  all  eye,  all  ear, 

All  intellect,  all  sense P.  L.,  vi.  351. 

while  we  can  preserve 

Unhurt  our  minds  and  understanding  sound. 

Id,y  444. 

A  few  strong  instincts  and  a  few  plain  rules. 
Among  the  herdsmen  of  the  Alps,  have  wrought 
More  for  mankind  at  this  unhappy  day 
Than  all  the  pride  of  intellect  and  thought  I 

Wordsworth.     *  Sonnets  to  Liberty^ 

Exercise. 

Among  the  various  powers  of  the ,  there  is  none  which  has  been 

so  attentively  examined  by  philosophers,  or  concerning  which  so  many  facts 
and  observations  have  been  collected,  as  the  faculty  of  memory. 

An  inquiry  into  the  philosophy  of  the  mind  is  one  of  the  noblest  and  most 
interesting  pursuits  in  which  the  human can  be  engaged. 

Some  studies  require  but  a  common ,  but  there  are  others  which 

demand  a  very  laborious  and  continued  exertion  of  the . 

Those  who  have  a  clear have  no  difficulty  in  perceiving  truths 

which  are  laid  before  them ;  those  who  are  endowed  with  a  strong 

have  the  power  of  discovering  truths  without  the  help  of  others. 

"  By I  mean  that  faculty  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  apprehend 

the  objects  of  knowledge,  general,  as  well  as  particular." 

*'  There  was  a  select  set,  supposed  to  be  distinguished  by  superiority  of 
•-— ,  who  always  passed  the  evening  together." 

u 


123  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Pretence — Pretext. 
Both  pretexts  and  pretences  deceive  us  :  the  former,  as  to 
facts  ;  the  latter,  as  to  consequences.  A  pretext  conceals  the 
motive,  a  pretence  conceals  the  purpose  of  an  action.  When 
we  say,  "  Justice  has  been  often  used  as  a  pretext  for  murder," 
we  mean  that  justice  has  often  been  put  forward  falsely  as  a 
motive  for  taking  away  life  ;  the  real  motive  being  concealed. 
When  we  say,  "  The  man  obtained  money  under  false  pre 
tences,"  we  mean  that  he  deceived  others  in  respect  of  the 
purpose  for  which  they  gave  him  the  money.  The  pretext 
covers  the  thing  done  ;  the  pretence  covers  the  thing  to  be 
done.     Hence  the  distinction  is  as  active  and  passive. 

lAuf.  To  keep  your  great  pretences  veiled,  till  when 

They  needs  must  show  themselves 

CoriolanuSf  i.  3. 
Auf.  And  my  pretext  to  strike  at  him  admits 

A  good  construction /i,,  v,  5. 

under  fair  pretence  of  friendly  ends 

Comus,  160. 
These  false  pretexts  and  varnished  colours  failing.  S.  A.,  901.2 

Exercise. 

Unable  any  longer  to  find  a for  such  barbarities,  he  threw  off  all 

appearance  of  justice,  and  from  thenceforward  shewed  himself  to  the  world 
in  his  real  nature — as  an  unrelenting  tyrant. 

He  endeavoured  to  conceal  his  real  intentions  by  the  shallowest , 

but  his  crafty  designs  were  detected  and  frustrated  by  the  very  men  he  had 
hoped  to  make  his  victims. 

Though  conscious  of  his  error  in  allowing  himself  to  be  betrayed  into  the 
commission  of  this  rash  act,  he  had  not  the  generosity  to  confess  his  fault, 
but  invented  continual to  excuse  his  conduct  with  the  people. 

The  officer  received  orders  from  the  superintendent  to  keep  a  strict  watch 

over  his  prisoner,  and  under  no  — whatever,  to  allow  him  to  quit  his 

place  of  confinement. 

When  the  conspirators  saw  that  their  whole  plot  was  discovered,  they 
each  made  various to  excuse  their  being  concerned  in  it ;  some  alle- 
ging that  they  were  not  aware  of  the  real  designs  of  the  plot,  and  others  de- 
plaring  that  they  entirely  mistook  the  views  of  the  leaders. 


P  roposal — Proposition . 
The  distinction  is  here  again  as  active  and  passive.     A 
proposal  is  something  offered  to  be  done.     A  proposition  is 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  123 

something  submitted  to  our  consideration.  Propositions  are 
acceded  to  or  rejected ;  proposals  are  accepted  or  refused. 
A  proposal,  when  accepted,  is  followed  by  an  act  on  the  part 
of  the  proposer ;  a  proposition,  when  acceded  to,  is  followed 
by  an  act  on  the  part  of  those  to  whom  it  is  submitted.  If 
you  propose  to  your  friend  that  he  shall  accept  you  as  a  part- 
ner, you  make  him  a  proposition :  if  you  propose  to  your  friend 
to  take  him  into  partnership  with  yourself,  you  make  him  a 
proposal. 

ZAgam.  The  ample  proposition,  that  hope  makes 
^  In  all  designs  begun  on  earth  below 

E|^  Fails  in  the  promised  largeness.  Troil.  and  Cress.,  i.  3. 

''-  >  If  our  proposals  once  again  were  heard. 

P.  L.,  vi.  618.] 

Exercise. 

He  made  a to  accompany  us  in  our  excursion,  but  as  we  had 

already  made  all  our  arrangements  for  the  occasion,  we  were  under  the 
necessity  of  declining  his  offer. 

Some  time  will  be  necessary  for  me  to  consider  the  nature  of  this ; 

and  even  then,  before  acting  upon  it,  I  shall  probably  be  obliged  to  consult  a 
friend. 

Though  the is  very  advantageous  in  many  respects,  I  have  not 

yet  decided  upon  accepting  it,  as  I  foresee  that  it  may  involve  me  in  a  heavy 
responsibility. 

Yesterday  morning,  after  breakfast,  my  uncle  came  in,  and  offered  to 

take  us  all  out  for  a  walk.     We  immediately  accepted  his with  joy, 

and  putting  on  our  bonnets  and  cloaks,  a(3Companied  him  in  a  delightful 
Btroll  for  two  hours  along  the  banks  of  the  river  Lea. 

The  terms  offered  by  the  general  were,  that  they  should  lay  down  their 
arms,  and  promise  not  to  appear  again  in  the  field  against  the  English 
They  joyfully  acceded  to  this . 


Rashness —  Temerity. 

Temerity  expresses  a  certain  passive  state  or  quality  of  a 
man's  mind.  Rashness  is  its  corresponding  active  quality. 
Temerity  refers  to  the  disposition  ;  rashness,  to  the  act.  We 
discover  temerity  in  our  resolutions,  conclusions,  &c. ;  rash- 
ness, in  the  common  actions  of  life.  We  may  possess,  but  we 
do  not  exercise,  temerity.     Our  rashness  appears  in  what  we 


124  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

do;  our  temerity  is  the  principle  of  our  rashness.  "A  man 
of  temerity,"  not  a  man  of  rashness.  "  A  rash  act,"  not  a 
temerarious  act. 

iHam.  Rashly, 

And  praised  be  rashness  for  it,— Let  us  know. 
Our  indiscretion  sometimes  serves  us  well 
When  our  deep  plots  do  palit   ,y«  / '      Hamlet^  v.  2. 

for  life 

To  noble  and  ignoble  is  more  sweet 

Untrained  in  arms,  where  rashness  leads  not  on. 

P.  L.,  xii.  222.] 

Exercise, 

"  All  mankind  have  a  sufficient  plea  for  some  degree  of  restlessness,  and 
the  fault  seems  to  be  little  more  than  too  much of  conclusion  in  fa- 
vour of  something  not  experienced." 

"  To  jump  into  a  river  without  being  able  to  swim,  or  to  leap  over  a  hedge 
without  being  an  expert  horseman,  is ." 

"  Still  the  kindness  with  which  he  is  treated  encourages  him  to  go  on, 
hoping  in  time  that  he  may  acquire  a  steadier  footing ;  and  thus  he  pro- 
ceeds, half  venturing,  half  shrinking,  surprised  at  his  own  good  fortune,  and 
wondering  at  his  own ^ 

"  In  so  speaking,  we  offend  indeed  against  truth ;  yet  we  offend  not  pro- 
perly by  falsehood,  which  is  a  speaking  against  our  thoughts,  but  by  -: , 

which  is  an  affirming  or  denying,  before  we  have  sufficiently  informed  our- 
selves." 

"  Her hand  in  evil  hour 

Forth  reaching  to  the  fruit,  she  plucked,  she  ate." 

"  To  distrust  fair  appearances,  and  to  restrain desires, 

tions  which  the  darkness  of  our  present  state  should  strongly  inculcate.' 


istri^^ 


Reason —  Cause. 

Causes  are  natural ;  reasons  are  logical.  Causes  are  for 
things  ;  reason,  for  actions.  Causes  are  hidden  or  evident ; 
reasons  are  true  or  false.  A  fair  wind  is  the  cause  of  a  ves- 
sel sailing.  To  discover  the  reason  why  the  vessel  sails,  we 
must  apply  to  the  captain.  Cause  produces  effect,  reason  pro- 
duces a  conclusion.  There  are  many  things  for  which  we 
cannot  assign  a  satisfactory  cause  ;  but  every  one  should  be 
able  to  give  a  reason  for  his  conclusions. 

iMach.  Masking  this  business  from  the  common  eye 
For  sundry  weighty  reasons.  Macbeth,  lii.  L 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  125 

Lear.  I  have  full  cause  for  weeping ;  but  this  heart 
Shall  break  into  a  hundred  thousand  flaws 
Or  ere  I'll  weep. King  Lear^  ii.  4. 

and  could  make  the  worse  appear 

The  better  reason. P.  L.^  ii.  114. 

say  first  what  cause 

Moved  our  grand  parents,  in  that  happy  state 
Favoured  of  Heaven  so  highly,  to  fall  off 
From  their  Creator.  /d.,  i.  28. 

There  surely  must  some  reason  be 
Why  you  would  change  sweet  Liswyn  farm 
For  Kilve  by  the  green  sea. 

Wordsworth.    ^  Anecdote  for  Fathers.^ 

What  he  draws 

From  sense,  faith,  reason,  fancy,  of  the  cause, 
He  will  take  with  him  to  the  silent  tomb. 

*  Itin.  Sonnets.^2 

Exercise. 

Though  I  have  had  many  conversations  with  him  on  the  subject,  he  has 

never  yet  been  able  to  assign  a for  rejecting  his  former  views,  and 

adopting  his  new  opinions. 

The of  volcanic  eruptions  arises  from  the  combination  of  combus- 
tible materials  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  which,  becoming  ignited,  explode, 
and  find  a  vent  through  the  outer  surface  of  the  globe. 

He  never  thought  proper  to  explain  the of  his  acting  in  this  ex- 
traordinary manner ;  and  although  the  event  proved  successful,  it  did  not 
tend  to  raise  him  in  the  opinion  of  his  acquaintance,  as  they  rightly  judged 
this  success  rather  a  lucky  chance  than  the  result  of  any  mature  deliberation. 

When  the  appointed  day  arrived,  and  the  vessel  did  not  make  her  ap- 
pearance, every  one  was  at  a  loss  to  account  for  her  prolonged  absence ; 

the  next  day,  however,  she  sailed  into  port,  the of  her  delay  being 

accounted  for  by  the  strong  head-winds  she  had  encountered  during  her 

"  I  mask  the  business  from  the  common  eye, 

For  sundry  weighty ." 

"  Good must  of  course  give  way  to  better." 


Recover!/ — Restoration. 
Of  these  two  words,  recover^/  has  an  active,  and  restoration 
a  passive  meaning.  The  former  implies  an  act  of  our  own ; 
the  latter,  an  act  of  another.  The  recovery  of  what  we  have 
lost  regards  ourselves;  its  restoration  comes  from  others.  The 
difference  between  the  recovery  of  our  property  and  the  resto- 

11* 


126  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

ration  of  our  property  will  then  be  obvious.  His  health  was 
recovered  (by  him.)     His  health  was  restored  (to  him.) 

[  War.  Speak  lower,  princes,  for  the  king  recovers. 
2  Hen.  IV.,  iv.  4. 

Cor.  Restoration,  hang 

Thy  medicine  on  my  lips King  Lear,  iv.  7 

Adam,  by  this  from  the  cold  sudden  damp 

Recovering P.  L.,  xi.  294. 

Deucalion  and  chaste  Pyrrha,  to  restore 

The  race  of  mankind  drowned,  before  the  shrine 

Of  Themis  stood  devout.  Id.,  12. 

if  glory  lost. 

May  be,  through  pains  and  persevering  hope 

Recovered. *  The  Excursion^^  v. 

sensations  sweet, 

Felt  in  the  blood,  and  felt  along  the  heart ; 
And  passing  even  into  my  purer  mind 

With  tranquil  restoration. *  Lines— Tintern  Ahhey! 

Thy  call  a  prostrate  Nation  can  restore. 
When  but  a  single  Mind  resolves  to  crouch  no  more. 

*  To  Enterprize.^] 

Exercise, 

"  1  left  you  both  in  France,  and  in  two  years  after,  I  went  to  Italy  for 
the of  my  health." 

"  He  is  now  on  the  eve  of  visiting  foreign  parts  ;  a  ship  of  war  is  commis- 
sioned  by  its  royal  master  to  carry  the  author  of '  Waverley'  to  climates  in 

which  he  may  possibly  obtain  such  a of  health  as  may  serve  him  to 

spin  his  thread  to  an  end  in  his  own  country." 

"  Let  us  study  to  improve  the  assistance  which  this  revelation  affords  to 
the of  our  nature,  and  the of  our  felicity." 

"  After  the  pages  which  have  been  already  devoted  to  enumerate  the  ser- 
vices rendered  by  Leo  X.  to  all  liberal  studies,  by  the  establishment  of  learn- 
ed seminaries,  by  the of  the  works  of  the  ancient  writers,  and  the 

publication  of  them  by  means  of  the  press,  by  promoting  the  knowledge  of 
the  Greek  and  Latin  languages,  and  by  the  munificent  encouragement  be- 
stowed by  him  on  the  professors  of  every  branch  of  science,  of  literature* 
and  of  art,  it  would  surely  be  as  superfluous  to  recapitulate  his  claims,  as  it 
would  be  unjust  to  deny  his  pretensions,  to  an  eminent  degree  of  positive 
nerit." 

His  health  was chiefly  by  the  use  of  goat's  milk. 

"  Any  other  person  may  join  with  him  that  is  injured,  and  assist  him  in 
ing  from  the  offender  so  much  as  may  make  satisfaction." 


Reformation — Reform. 
These  words  differ  as  active  from  passive.     Reformation  is 
lie  act  of  reforming ;  reform  is  the  state  of  being  reformed. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  127 

The  reformation  brings  about  the  reform.  The  reformation  of 
the  church — Parliamentary  reform.  The  former  designates 
the  process  of  reforming  the  church ;  the  latter,  the  state  of 
Parliament  when  in  a  new  form.  In  strict  propriety,  it  can- 
not be  said  that  a  reform  is  going  on  ;  or  that  a  reformation  is 
effected. 

iCaer.  Never  came  reformation  in  a  flood 
With  such  a  heady  current,  scouring  faults.  Henry  V.,  i.  1.] 

Exercise. 

**  Examples  are  pictures,  and  strike  the  senses,  lay,  rais»  the  passions, 
and  call  in  those  (the  strongest  and  most  general  of  all  motives)  to  the  aid 
of — ." 

"  He  was  anxious  to  keep  the  distemper  of  France  from  the  least  coun- 
tenance in  England,  where  he  was  sure  some  wicked  persons  had  shown  a 
strong  disposition  to  recommend  an  imitation  of  tho  French  spirit  of ." 

^'  Satire  lashes  vice  into ." 

"  The s  in  representation,  and  the  bills  for  shorteniag  the  duration  of 

Parliaments,  he  uniformly  and  steadily  opposed  for  many  years  together." 

"  The  pagan  converts  mention  this  great of  those  who  had  been 

the  greatest  sinners,  with  that  sudden  and  surprising  change,  which  the 
Christian  religion  made  in  the  lives  of  the  most  profligate." 

"  There   are  many  clamorous  for in  the  political  institutions  of 

their  country,  who  forget  the requisite  in  themselves." 

^'  The  burden  of  the lay  on  Luther's  shoulders." 

"  One  cannot  attempt  a  perfect in  the  languages  of  the  world, 

without  rendering  himself  ridiculous." 


Repentance —  Contrition. 
Contrition  is  that  state  of  mind  into  which  we  bring  our- 
selves by  continued  repentance  ;  in  which  the  heart  is,  as  it 
were,  bruised  at  the  remembrance  of  sin.  Repentance  is  a 
more  active  term,  and  simply  expresses  lively  sorrow  for  past 
offences.  Repentance  is  felt  not  only  for  sin,  but  also  for  ac- 
tions which  may  influence  our  worldly  affairs  or  condition. 
The  motives  for  contrition  are  always  religious.  Sorrow  for 
having  offended  God  produces  contrition.  The  reflection  that 
we  have  done  wrong  in  any  way  produces  repentance.  The 
heart  is  contrite — our  reason  repents.  When  we  repent,  we 
act ;  when  we  are  contrite,  we  are  in  a  passive  state. 


128 


PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

iMont.  thou  wilt  mind 

Thy  followers  of  repentance ;  that  their  souls 
May  make  a  peaceful  and  a  sweet  retire 

From  off  these  fields, Henry  F.,  iv.  3 

K.  Hen.  I  Richard's  body  have  interred  new ; 
And  on  it  have  bestowed  more  contrite  tears 
Than  from  it  issued  forced  drops  of  blood 

Id.,  iv.  1. 

the  great  proclaimer,  with  a  voice 

More  awful  than  the  sound  of  trumpet,  cried 

Repentance. P.  R.,  i.  20. 

Fruits  of  more  pleasing  savour,  from  the  seed 

Sown  with  contrition  in  liis  heartl P.  L.,  xi.  27. 

who  cannot  judge  amiss^ 

And  wafts  at  will  the  contrite  soul  to  bliss. 

Wordsworth.    '  Son.  on  Punishment  of  Begin 

Exercise. 


•^2^31 


During  the  remaining  short  period  of  his  life,  the  prisoner  maintained  a 

Bullen  and  obstinate  silence  ;  he  expressed  no for  his  crime ;  nor 

evinced  the  least  desire  to  see  any  member  of  his  family. 

He  now  clearly  saw  the  probaWe  consequences  of  his  folly,  and  bitterly 

lamented  having  taken  so  rash  a  step  ;  but came  too  late,  and  it 

now  only  remained  for  him  to  prevent,  as  far  as  lay  in  his  power,  the  injury 
which  his  rashness  might  cause  to  others. 

I  was  told  that  he  was  really  sincere  in  his ,  and  that  he  had 

made  a  strong  resolution  to  conduct  himself  for  the  fature  like  an  honest 
man  and  a  virtuous  citizen. 

Her  sighs  and  tears  bore  testimony  to  the  depth  of  her ,  and  every 

©ne  present  was  so  firmly  convinced  of  her  sincerity,  that  several  of  those 
who  witnessed  her  protestations  offered  to  take  her  into  their  service. 

" ,  though  it  may  melt,  ought  not  to  sink  or  overpower  the  heart 

of  a  Christian." 

"  Who  by is  not  satisfied, 

Is  not  of  heaven  nor  earth  " 


Smell — Odour. 

The  word  smell  is  used  in  both  an  active  and  passive  sense ; 
odour,  properly,  only  passively.  The  smell  is  active,  as  af- 
fects our  organs,  and  passive  as  it  exists  in  certain  bodies. 
Odour  is  also  generally  used,  in  a  favourable  sense,  of  what 
has  an  agreeable  or  sweet  smell.  The  word  smell  is  also 
used  for  the  faculty  of  smelling :  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  tk 
smelling  should  not  be  always  used  for  the  faculty. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  129 

[Ban. that  the  heaven's  breath 

Smells  wooingly  here Macbeth,  i.  6. 

0th. when  I  have  plucked  thy  rose 

I  cannot  give  it  vital  growth  again, 

It  needs  must  wither ;— I'll  smell  it  on  the  tree. 

Othello,  v.  2. 

Duhe.  like  the  sweet  south, 

That  breathes  upon  a  bank  of  violets 

Stealing  and  giving  odour. Twelfth  Nighty  i.  1, 

Sabasan  odours  from  the  spicy  shore 

Of  Araby  the  blest ;  with  such  delay 

Well  pleased  they  slack  their  course,  and  many  a  league 

Cheered  with  the  grateful  smell  old  Ocean  smiles. 

P.  L.,  iv.  162. 

More  sweet  than  odours  caught  by  him  who  sails 
Near  spicy  shores  of  Araby  the  blest. 

Wordsworth.    '  Eccles.  Sonnets/ 

A  rainbow,  a  sunbeam, 
A  subtle  smell  that  Spring  unbinds, 
Dead  pause  abrupt  of  midnight  winds. 

An  echo  or  a  dream.  *  Presentiments/] 

Exercise. 

*'  Democritus,  when  he  lay  dying,  sent  for  loaves  of  new  bread,  which 
naving  opened  and  poured  a  little  wine  into  them,  he  kept  himself  alive 
with  the till  a  certain  feast  was  past." 

"  The  sweetest in  the  air  is  the  white  double  violet,  which  comes 

twice  a  year." 

"  The  Levites  burned  the  holy  incense  in  such  quantities  as  refreshed  the 

whole  multitude  with  its ,  and  filled  all  the  region  about  them  with 

perfume." 

*'  Cheered  with  the  grateful ,  old  Ocean  smiles." 

"  Me  seemed  I  smelt  a  garden  of  sweet  flowers, 
That  dainty from  them  threw  around." 

"  By  the  application  of  heat,  the  coffee  bean  increases  to  nearly  twice  its 
original  size,  and  emits  a  powerful  and  agreeable ." 

**  There  is  a  great  variety  of ,  though  we  have  but  a  few  names 

for  them ;  the of  a  violet  and  of  musk,  both  sweet,  are  as  distinct 

as  any  two ." 

"  To  the  north  of  China  are  found  both  apples  and  pears  ;  but  the 
latter  are  tasteless,  and  the  former  mealy  and  bad,  though  with  a  fine 
colour  and ." 


Tyranny —  Oppression, 
He  who  exercises  arbitrary  power  is  a  tyrant ;  he  who  di- 
rects that  power  against  the  people  is  an  oppressor.     In  op- 


130  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

pression,  the  idea  of  suffering  is  prominent ;  in  tyranny,  the 
active  quality  is  uppermost  in  the  mind.  Tyranny  is  ex- 
ercised, oppression  is  borne.  In  the  word  tyrant,  the  ideas 
of  haughtiness  and  imperious  cruelty  are  comprised.  Op- 
pressor is  a  more  limited  term,  and  is  confined  to  one  mode  of 
tyranny. 

[Bru.  So  let  high-sighted  tyranny  range  on 
Till  each  man  drop  by  lottery. Julius  Ccesar,  ii.  1. 

Ham.  But  I  am  pigeon-liver'd  and  lack  gall 

To  make  oppression  bitter Hamlet,  ii.  2. 

tyranny  must  be  ; 

Though  to  the  tyrant  thereby  no  excuse.  P.  L.,  xii  95 

so  violence 

Proceeded,  and  oppression,  and  sword-law         P.  i.,  xi.  672. 
Forget  thy  weakness,  upon  which  is  built, 
O  wretched  man,  the  throne  of  tyranny. 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  Liberty.' 
By  Uri's  lake,  where  Tell 
Leapt,  from  his  storm-vext  boat  to  land 
Heaven's  Instrument,  for  by  his  hand 
That  day  the  Tyrant  fell.  '  Composed  at  Cora  Linn.* 

Such  look  the  Oppressor  might  confound, 
However  proud  and  strong.  *  Elegiac  Stanzas.'} 

Exercise. 

"  Boundless  intemperance 

In  nature  is  a ;  it  hath  been 

Th'  untimely  emptying  of  the  happy  throne, 
And  fall  of  many  kings." 
"  Power,  when  employed  to  relieve  the  oppressed,  and  to  punish  the 
— — ,  becomes  a  great  blessing." 

"  Tarquin  having  governed ly,  and  taken   from   the    senate  all 

authority,  was  become  odious  to  the  senate,  nobihty,  and  people." 

"  Her  taxes  are  more  injudiciously  and  more ly  imposed,  more 

vexatiously  collected." 

"  Domitian  had  been ;  and  in  his  time  many  noble  houses  were 

overthrown  by  false  accusations." 

"  If  thou  seest  the of  the  poor,  marvel  not  at  the  matter,  for 

He  that  is  higher  than  the  highest  regardeth." 

"  By  force  of  that  commission,  he  in  many  places  most  — — .  expelled 
them." 

*  I  from did  the  poor  defend. 

The  fatherless,  and  such  as  had  no  friend." 

"  Our  grand  foe. 
Who  now  triumphs,  and  in  th'  excess  of  joy, 
Sol©  reigning,  holds  the —  of  heaven." 


•ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  131 

Unity — Union. 

Wlien  two  or  more  things  are  together,  so  as  to  make  but 
one,  the  state  in  which  they  then  are  is  their  union ;  and  the 
feeling  by  which  they  are  held*  together,  after  being  made  one, 
is  their  unity ^  Union,  then,  is  the  state  of  being  one  ;  unity 
is  the  state  of  having  but  one  sentiment  or  feeling.  Hence 
**  unity"  has  an  active,  and  "  union"  a  passive  meaning. 
Marriage  is  often  termed  a  union ;  i.  e.  it  is  the  being  together 
of  two  persons  :  all  married  persons,  however,  though  united, 
do  not  live  together  in  unity.  Children  who  are  affectionate 
and  kind  to  each  other  are  said  to  dwell  in  unity. 

[  Vlys.  The  unity  and  naarried  calm  of  states 

Troil,  and  Cress..,  i.  3. 

ISel.  But  yet  a  union  in  partition 
Two  lovely  berries  moulded  on  one  st^m. 

Midsum.  N.  Dreamj  iii.  2. 

-  tiis  image  multiplied, 


In  umty  defective — -  P.  Ir.,  viii.  425 

vv^hich  declare  unfeigned 

Union  of  mind Id.,  604. 

That  which  the  heavens  displayed,  the  liquid  deep 
Repeated ;  but  with  unity  sublime.  *  The  Excursion^*  ix 


-  how  shall  man  imite 


With  self-forgetting  tenderness  of  heart 

An  earth-despising  dignity  of  soul  ? 

Wise  in  that  union,  and  without  it  blind '    Id.,  v.J 

Exercise. 

**  Take out  of  the  world,  and  it  dissolves  into  a  chaos." 

The  want  of which  exists  between  England  and  Ireland  has  been 

the   chief  cause  of  the  clamour  for  the  repeal  of  th«  — ,  which  has  so 
ong  distracted  the  latter  country. 

"  Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  a  thing  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
together  in —* !" 

The of  the  two  armies  was  at  length  effected,  and  their  operations 

were  effectively  directed  against  the  enemy.   ' 

"  We,  of  all  Christians,  ought  to  promote among  ourselves  and 

others." 

To  avoid  dissension,  it  avails  much  that  there  be  among  them  a , 

as  well  in  ceremonies  as  in  doctrine. 

"  One  kingdom,  joy,  an^ —  without  end." 

**  And  gladly  of  our  — — ■  hear  the©  speak." 


132  PRACTICAL    EXERCI&ES 

Utility —  Usefulness. 
Of  these  words,  usefulness  is  the  passive,  utility  the  active 
term.  Our  utility  is  discovered  by  what  we  do ;  our  useful- 
ness, by  what  we  are.  One  person  is  of  utility  to  another, 
when  he  assists  him,  or  does  him  some  service.  A  man's 
usefulness  consists  in  the  power — ^not  in  the  act — of  making 
himself  useful.  Utility  is  usefulness  exerted.  For  this 
reason,  utility  is  more  frequently  said  of  persons  ;  usefulness, 
of  things.  The  utility  of  a  thing  is  discovered  by  the  effects 
which  it  produces  when  brought  into  action  ;  its  usefulness  is 
perceived  in  its  nature  or  inherent  qualities. 

iBur.  Losing  both  beauty  and  utility  Henry  T.,  v.  2.J 

Exercise. 

*'  The  gentleman  desired  that  I  would  give  a  relation  of  a  cure  of  the 
gout,  that  it  might  be  made  public,  as  a  thing  which  might  prove  of  com- 
mon   to  so  great  numbers  as  were  subject  to  that  disease." 

"  The  grandeur  of  the  commonwealth  shews  itself  chiefly  in  works 
that  were  necessary  or  convenient.  Or  the  contrary,  the  magnificence 
of  Rome,  under  the  emperors,  was  rather  for  ostentation  than  any 
real ." 

"  Those  things  which  have  long  gone  together  are  confederate  ;  wherea* 

new  things  agree  not  so  well ;  but  though  they  help  by  their ,  yet 

they  trouble  by  their  inconforraity." 

It  is  hoped  that  every  sensible  person  who  reads  these  exercises  will 
have  no  difficulty  in  perceiving  their ,  and  the  author  ventures  to  as- 
sert that  those  who  practise  them  will  soon  acknowledge  their . 

"  I  had  occasion  to  refer  several  times  to  the  work  you  mentioned  in  your 

last  letter,  but  I  soon  found  the  book  weis  of  no whatever,  and  I 

have  now  discontinued  referring  to  it." 


Value — Worth. 

Value  has  an  active ;  worth,  a  passive  meaning.  The 
quality  "  worth"  is  what  a  thing  has  in  itself.  Its  "  value"  is 
determined  by  what  it  does  for  you. 

The  worth  of  any  thing  depends  upon  its  real  merit ;  its 
value  is  determined  by  the  price  it  would  fetch  in  an  open 
market.     Worth  is  intrinsic ;    value   depends  upon  circum- 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  133 

Stances.  Worth  is  an  essential,  value  an  accidental  property. 
That  which  is  really  of  little  worth  may  be  of  great  value  in 
consequence  of  its  scarcity,  or  the  great  demand  for  it. 
Worth  is  permanent ;  value  is  changeable.  The  worth  of  a 
picture  is  always  the  same  ;  its  value  varies  with  the  taste  of 
purchasers,  scarcity  of  pictures  by  the  same  master,  &c. 

iFriar.  what  we  have  we  prize  not  to  the  worth, 

Whiles  we  enjoy  it ;  but  being  lacked  and  lost, 

Why,  then  we  rack  the  value  ;  then  we  find 

The  virtue,  that  possession  would  not  show  us 

Whiles  it  was  ours.  Much  Ado  Ab.  Noth.,  iv.  1. 

Isab.  stones,  whose  rates  are  either  rich  or  poor, 

As  fancy  values  them. Meas.  for  Meas.j  ii.  2. 

0th.  For  the  sea's  worth. Othello,  1.  3. 

So  little  knows 

Any,  but  God  alone,  to  value  right 

The  good  before  him P.  L.,  iv.  202. 

the  uncontrouled  worth 

Of  this  pure  cause  would  kindle  my  rapt  spirits 

Comusy  793. 
And  something  also  did  my  worth  obtain  ; 
For  fearless  virtue  bringeth  boundless  gain. 

Wordsworth.    *  Laodamia.'^j 

Exercise. 

I  know  his ,  and  appreciate  it  fully,  in  proof  of  which,  I  have  given 

him  the  appointment  in  preference  to  all  the  other  candidates. 

The of  a  book  is  immediately  depreciated  by  the  publication  of 

another  and  a  better  one  on  the  same  subject. 

The  of  the  estate  is  estimated  at  a  much  higher  sum,  in  conse- 
quence of  its  being  adjacent  to  some  property  from  which  it  is  said  to  derive 
many  advantages. 

How  much  is  that  picture 1  It  has  been at  eighty  guineas, 

but  I  consider  it much  more. 

The of  a  man's  estate  has  nothing  to  do  with  his  moral ; 

for  every  individual  should  be  estimated  by  what  he  is,  rather  than  by  what 
he  has. 

The of  a  thing  may  differ  greatly  from  its ;  the  former 

depends  upon  circumstances,  whilst  the  latter  is  always  the  same. 


Veracity —  Truth . 

The  former  word  is  here  active  ;  the  latter,  passive.     Ve- 
racity regards  persons,  truth  regards  things.   Truth  is,  veracity 

12 


134  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

does.  We  speak  of  the  truth  of  history,  but  of  the  veracity 
of  the  historian.  We  can  depend  upon  the  truth  of  whatever 
is  asserted  by  a  man  of  known  veracity.  The  thing  said  is 
true  ;  the  person  who  says  it  is  veracious. 

{.Much  Two  truths  are  told 
As  happy  prologues  to  the  swelling  act 
Of  the  imperial  theme. Macbeth,  i.  3 


who  kept  thy  truth  so  pure  of  old 

Milton.    *  Sonnets. 
Truth  shows  a  glorious  face, 
While  on  that  isthmus  which  commands 
The  councils  of  both  worlds  she  stands. 

Wordsworth.    *  Presentiments.^} 

Exercise. 

"  In  real ,  I  believe  that  there  is  much  less  difference  between  the 

author  and  his  works  than  is  currently  supposed." 

"  Many  relations  of  travellers  have  been  slighted  as  fabulous,  till  more 
frequent  voyages  have  confirmed  their ." 

"As  we  lived  near  tlie  road,  we  often  had  the  traveller  or  stranger  visit 
us,  to  taste  our  gooseberry  wine,  for  which  we  had  great  reputation ;  and  I 

profess,  with  the —  of  an  historian,  that  I  never  knew  one  of  them  find 

fault  with  it." 

"  What  can  we  say  ?  Even  that  which  the  man  in  Terence  said  to  a 
person  whose he  suspected." 

"  There  are  innumerable with  which  we  are  wholly  unac- 
quainted." 

*'  I  shall  think  myself  obliged  for  the  future  to  speak  always  in 

and  sincerity  of  heart." 

"  They  thought  they  might  do  it,  not  only  willingly,  because  they  loved 

him,  and ly,  because  such  indeed  was  the  mind  of  the  people ;  but 

safely,  because  she  who  ruled  the  king  was  agreed  thereto." 

As  his has  never  been  called  in  question,  we  have  no  reason  to 

doubt  the of  his  assertion. 


To  caution — to  warn. 
We  are  cautioned  against  acting  injudiciously ;  we  are 
warned  of  what  may  act  injuriously  upon  ourselves.  We  warF. 
a  man  of  approaching  danger ;  we  caution  him  against  run- 
ning into  it.  Heavy  clouds  warn  us  of  the  coming  storm.  He 
cautioned  his  friend  not  to  approach  too  near  the  enemy's 
lines.  We  are  cautioned  against  speaking  rashly ;  we  are 
warned  of  the  consequences* 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  135 

iMacb.         for  thy  good  caution  thanks. 

Macbeth,  iv.  1. 

Q.  Kath.  say  I  warned  ye 

Take  heed,  for  heaven's  sake,  take  heed,  lest  at  once 

The  burden  of  my  sorrows  fall  upon  ye         Henry  VIII. ,  iii.  1 

What  meant  that  caution  joined  If  ye  be  found 

Obedient  ?  P.  i.,  v.  513. 

or  to  warn 

Us,  haply  too  secure Id.,  xi.  195. 

A  perfect  Woman,  nobly  planned, 

To  warn,  to  comfort,  and  command.  Wordsworth,  p.  143.] 

Exercise. 

Upon  entering  into  business,  he  was  frequently against  iiaving  any 

dealings  with  Mr.  B.,  whose  want  of  principle  made  it  very  dangerous  for 

any  one  to  be  connected  with  him.     He,  however,  disregarded  this , 

and  was  soon  induced  to  embark  with  this  very  man  in  extensive  specula- 
tions. His  friends  again  strongly  urged  him  to  break  off  all  further  connec- 
tion with  so  unprincipled  and  daring  an  adventurer.     But  the came 

too  late,  for  he  now  found  himself  so  deeply  involved  that  nothing  could  save 
him  from  ruin. 

When  the  poor  mother  left  her  children,  she the  eldest  not  to  al- 
low the  two  youngest  to  approach  the  fire. 

Though of    the  consequences,  the  child  paid  no  attention  to  her 

mother's  injunctions ;  and  having  left  her  sisters  alone  in  the  room  for  a  few 
minutes,  she  was  horror-struck  on  her  return  to  find  one  of  them  enveloped 
in  flames. 

Attention  to  the  forementioned  symptoms  affords  the  best s  and 

rules  of  diet,  by  way  of  prevention. 

"  Not  e'en  Philander  had  bespoke  his  shroud, 
Nor  had  he  cause  ;  a was  denied." 


To  defend — to  protect. 
To  defend  is  to  ward  off ;  to  protect  is  to  cover  over.  To 
defend  is  an  active  ;  to  protect,  a  passive  term.  We  defend 
those  who  are  attacked  ;  we  protect  those  who  are  liable  to 
be  attacked.  In  defending,  we  exert  ourselves  ;  in  protecting, 
we  merely  place  ourselves  between  two  parties.  Swords  and 
spears  are  arms  of  defence  ;  helmets  and  shields  are  weapons 
of  protection.  A  town  is  defended  by  its  garrison  and  can- 
non ;  a  town  is  protected  by  its  fortifications,  and  its  natural 
position.  Houses  protect  us  from  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather.     Brave  soldiers  defend  their  country. 


136  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

[Exe.  While  that  the  armed  hand  doth  fight  abroad, 
The  advised  head  defends  itself  at  home      Henry  V.,  i.  2 

Cran.  God  and  your  majesty, 

Protect  mine  innocence. Henri/  VIII. ,  v.  1. 

nor  could  the  Muse  defend 

Her  son P.  L.,  vii.  37. 

Guard  them,  and  him  within  protect  from  harms 

Milton.    *  Sonnets.* 
Or  lily  heaving  w^ith  the  wave 

That  feeds  it  and  defends  Wordsvi^orth.    *  Elegiac  Stanzas 

Even  so  does  God  protect  us  if  we  be 
Virtuous  and  wise *  Sonnets  to  lAberty.'''^ 

Exercise, 

The  streets  were  filled  with  poor,  starving  wretches,  the  pictures  of  misery 
and  poverty,  shivering  with  the  cold,  and  with  nothing  but  a  few  rags  to 
them  from  the  inclemency  of  the  season. 

Just  as  the  magistrate  was  about  to  leave  the  bench,  a  poor  woman  en- 
tered the  court  in  a  state  of  great  agitation,  and  implored  the  magistrate  to 
her  against  the  violence  of  her  husband. 

As  he  was  on  the  point  of  entering  the  ravine,  a  huge  boar  suddenly 

leaped  out  upon  him  ;  he  drew  his  hanger,  and  himself  as  well  as 

he  could,  till  his  companions  came  to  his  assistance,  and  soon  put  the  wild 
beast  to  flight. 

The  forty-eighth  regiment,  being  charged  with  great  impetuosity  by  the 

enemy's  cavalry, themselves  for  some  time  with  the  most  determined 

bravery ;  but  being  at  length  overpowered  by  the  superior  weight  and  num- 
ber of  the  enemy,  were  reluctantly  obliged  to  retreat. 

Though  well from  the  weather  by  a  thick  great-coat,  he  caught 

such  a  violent  cold  in  travelling  outside  the  stage  from  Brighton  to  London, 
that  it  brought  on  a  severe  attack  of  fever. 


To  eat — to  feed. 

To  eat  is  the  act  of  taking  in  nourishment ;  to  feed  is  the 
act  of  deriving  nourishment.  By  eating,  we  become  fed.  In- 
fants cannot  eat,  they  are  fed.  We  are  fed  as  much  by  what 
we  drink,  as  by  what  we  eat.  Men  are  not  said  to  feed,  (in  an 
intransitive  sense.)  Beasts  feed ;  men  are  fed.  In  a  meta- 
phorical sense,  rust  eats  into  iron.  The  imagination  feeds 
upon  romances. 

Exercise. 

"  The  elephant  could  not  have  reached  the  ground  without  his  proboscis ; 

or  if  it  be  supposed  that  he  might  have upon  the  fruit,  leaves,  or 

branches  of  trees,  how  was  he  to  drink  ?" 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  137 

At  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  a  bell  is  rung  in  the  Zoological  Gardens, 
Regent's  Park,  to  give  notice  to  the  visitors  that  the  keepers  are  going  to 
the  beasts. 


The  doctor  assured  his  patient  that  all  his  indisposition  arose  from 

too  much  ;  and  prescribed  no  other  medicine  for  him  than  moderation  in  his 
living. 

"  And  when  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  saw  him  with  publicansj 

and  sinners,  they  said  unto  his  disciples :    How  is  it  that  he  with 

publicans  and  sinners  ?" 

Boerhaave  a  sparrow  with  bread  four  days,  in  which  time  it 

more  than  its  own  weight. 

"  Some  birds upon  the  berries  of  this  vegetable." 

The  child  had  made  itself  so  ill  from a  gieat  quantity  of  unripe 

fruit,  that  its  life  was  for  some  days  despaired  of. 

In  winter,  when  fodder  is  scarce,  cows  and  sheep upon  turnips 


To  employ — to  use. 

To  use  a  thing  is  to  derive  enjoyment  or  service  from  it ;  to 
employ  is  to  turn  that  service  into  a  particular  channel.  What 
is  employed  is  made  to  act ;  what  is  used  is  acted  upon.  We 
use  words  to  express  our  general  meaning  ;  we  employ  cer- 
tain words  on  particular  occasions.  Technical  terms  are  em- 
ployed in  scientific  works.  Pens,  ink,  and  paper  are  the 
materials  used  in  writing.  Time  and  talent  are  employed  in 
writing,  because  they  are  made  to  produce  an  intended  effect. 

[P.  John.  But  you  misuse  the  reverence  of  your  place  ; 
Employ  the  countenance  and  grace  of  Heaven 
As  a  false  favourite  doth  his  prince's  name.    2  Henry  7F.,  iv.  2. 

Lear.  Had  I  your  tongues  and  eyes,  I'd  use  them  so 
That  heaven's  vault  should  crack. Lear,  v.  3. 

Here  Love  his  golden  shafts  employs,  here  lights 

His  constant  lamp P.  L.,  iv.  763 

Some  other  means  I  have  which  may  be  used 

Comus^  821 

Our  life  is  turned 


Out  of  her  course,  wherever  man  is  made 

An  offering,  or  a  sacrifice,  a  tool 

Or  implement,  a  passive  thing  employed 

As  a  brute  mean,  without  acknowledgment 

Of  common  right  or  interest  in  the  end  ; 

Used  or  abused,  as  selfishness  may  prompt.    *  The  Excursion,^  ix.] 

12* 


138  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

He such  strange  terms,  and  in  such  an  uncommon  signification ♦ 

that  many  of  his  writings  are  very  difficult  to  understand. 

My  brother's  business  has  become  so  extensive,  and  he  consequently  re- 
quires so  much  more  assistance,  that  he  has  found  it  necessary  to 

forty  additional  hands  in  his  manufactory. 

The  quantity  of  paper annually  for  the  supply  of  English  news- 
papers is  121,184  reams,  some  of  which  paper  is  of  an  enormous  size ;  and 
thousands  of  persons  are in  producing  these  daily  and  weekly  pub- 
lications. 

There  is  nothing  insignificant,  nothing  which  may  not  be for  some 

good  purpose  ;  and  though  we  are  not  always  able  to  perceive  its  utility,  we 
are  not  justified  in  concluding,  on  that  account,  that  it  is  utterly  worthless. 

We  may  often our  time  profitably,  even  when  not  engaged  in 

manual  labour,  or  in  any  powerful  exertion  of  the  intellect. 

diligence  and  perseverance,  and  you  cannot  fail  of  success. 


To  find — to  meet  with. 
What  we  find,  we  go  towards,  either  by  chance  or  inten- 
tionally. What  we  meet  with  presents  itself  to  lis  unsought 
for.  In  looking  for  a  quotation  in  some  poet,  we  may  not  be 
able  to  find  it,  but  may  meet  with  one  which  will  answer  our 
purpose  equally  well.  In  finding,  we  act ;  in  meeting  with, 
some  person  or  thing  acts  upon  us.  We  find  what  we  search 
for ;  we  meet  with  what  we  do  not  expect  to  see. 

[Buke.  Finds  tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  every  thing. 

As  You  Like  Itf  ii.  1. 

Jaq. meeting  with  an  old  religious  man, 

After  some  question  with  hira,  was  converted 
Both  from  his  enterprise,  and  from  the  world. 

Id.,  V.  4. 
Ask  for  this  great  deliverer  now,  and  find  him 
Eyeless  in  Gaza  at  the  mill  with  slaves.  S.  A.,  40. 

We  sail  the  sea  of  life— a  Calm  one  finds 
And  one  a  Tempest— and  the  voyage  o'er, 
Death  is  the  quiet  haven  of  us  all.       '    Wordsworth.    *  Epitaphs. 

did  seem 

Like  one  whom  I  had  met  with  in  a  dream. 

*  Resolution  and  Independence  *] 

Exercise, 

<t  We many  things  worthy  of  observation." 

«*  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you  ;  seek,  and  ye  shall ." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  139 

"  What  a  majesty  and  force  does  one —  in  these  short  inscriptions  ! 

Are  you  not  amazed  to  see  so  much  history  gathered  into  so  small  a  com- 
pass i" 

"  She  disappeared,  and  left  me  dark  ;  I  waked 

To ■  her,  or  for  ever  to  deplore 

Her  loss." 

"  Hercules' Pleasure  and  Virtue,  was  invented  by  Prodicus,  who 

lived  before  Socrates." 

"  It  is  agreeable  to  compare  the  face  of  a  great  man  with  the  character, 

and  try  if  we  can in  his  looks  and   features,   either  the  haughty, 

cruel,  or  merciful  temper." 

"  He  was  afraid  of  being  insulted  with  Greek,  for  which  reason  he  desired 
a  friend  to him  a  clergyman  rather  of  plain  sense  than  much  learn- 
ing." 

The  other  day,  looking  carelessly  through  the  leaves  of  that  work,  I 
two  or  three  passages  which  struck  me  as  being  so  sensibly  con- 
ceived, and  so  forcibly  expressed,  that  I  determined  to  peruse  the  book. 

I  have  lost  my  book,  and  can it  nowhere. 


To  found — to  ground 

To  found  is  used  actively — to  ground,  passively.  A  change 
is  founded — a  belief  is  grounded.  We  should  not  accuse 
without  a  foundation,  nor  suspect  without  good  grounds  for 
suspicion.  We  should  have  a  foundation  for  our  actions,  and 
grounds  for  our  thoughts  and  feelings.  The  grounds  for  sus- 
picion may  lead  us  to  suspect,  and  suspicion  itself  may  be  the 
foundation  of  a  charge. 

[Bis.  Hath  founded  his  good  fortune  on  your  love. 

Othello,  iii.  4. 
Le  Beau.  Grounded  upon  no  other  argument. 

As  You  Like  It,  1.  2. 
Thy  hopes  are  not  ill  founded Comus,  1504. 

oft  times  nothing  profits  more 

Than  self-esteem,  grounded  on  just  and  right 

Well  managed P.  L.  viii.  572. 

the  spiritual  fabric  of  her  Church, 

Founded  in  truth  ;  by  blood  of  Martyrdom 

Cemented The  Excursion,  vi 


-  and  sentence  gave 


So  grounded,  so  applied,  that  it  was  heard 
With  softened  spirit,  even  when  it  condemned. 

W.,  il.J 


140  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 

*'  I  know  there  are  persons  who  look  upon  these  wonders  of  art  (in  ancient 
history)  as  fabulous ;  but  I  cannot  find  any for  such  a  suspicion." 

"  The  only  sure  principles  we  can  lay  down  for  regulating  our  conduct  must 
be on  the  Christian  religion." 

"  The  solemn  usage  of  praying  for  the  dead  can  be only  on  the 

belief  that  there  exists  a  middle  state  of  purification  and  suflfering  through 
which  souls  pass  after  death,  and  from  which  the  prayers  of  the  faithful 
may  aid  in  delivering  them." 

"  A  right  to  the  use  of  the  creatures  is originally  in  the  right  a 

man  has  to  subsist." 

"  Wisdom her  laws  upon  an  infallible  rule  of  comparison." 

"  It  may  serve  us  to conjectures  more  approaching  to  the  truth 

ihan  we  have  hitherto  met  with." 

"  If  it  be  natural,  ought  we  not  to  conclude  that  there  is  some 

and  reason  for  these  fears,  and  that  nature  has  not  planted  them  in  us  to  no 
purpose  ?" 

"  Power on  contract  can  descend  only  to  him  who  has  a  right  by 

that  contract." 


To  furnish — to  supply. 
I  furnish,  that  you  may  use  ;  I  supply,  that  you  may  not 
want.  What  is  wanting  to  make  a  thing  complete  must  be 
supplied  ;  what  is  required  for  occasional  use  is  furnished.  Our 
wants  are  supplied  ;  our  comforts  are  furnished.  The  poor 
are  supplied  with  blankets  and  coals  during  the  winter  ;  the 
rich  man's  table  is  furnished  with  delicacies.  What  is  furnish- 
ed we  keep  by  us  for  use  ;  what  is  supplied  we  use  immediate- 
ly. Hence  a  house  is  furnished  with  tables  and  chairs  ;  a 
larder  is  supplied  with  meat  and  vegetables. 

[K.  Hen.  To  furnish  him  with  all  appertinents 

Belonging  to  his  honour Henry  y.,  ii.  2. 

Cant.  A  hundred  alms-houses,  right  well  supplied. 

Id.,  i.  1. 
With  all  things  grateful  cheered,  and  so  supplied, 
That  what  by  me  thou  hast  lost,  thou  least  shalt  miss. 

S.  A.,  926. 

to  furnish  weapons  for  the  bands 

Of  Umfraville  or  Percy  ere  they  marched 

To  Scotland's  heaths  ;  or  those  that  crossed  the  sea 

And  drew  their  sounding  bows  at  Azincour. 

Wordsworth.    '  Yew-Treet,* 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  141 


-  bowers  that  hear  no  more 


The  voice  of  gladness,  less  and  less  supply 

Of  outward  sunshine  and  internal  warmth.      *  The  Excursion,^  v.{ 

Exercise, 

The  demand  for  cotton  goods  was  so  great,  that  the  manufacturers  could 
not the  dealers  fast  enough. 

The  ships  were  well  fitted  out,  being with  all  the  necessary  nautical 

instruments,  and  amply with  provisions. 

The  shelves  of  his  library  are with  a  collection  of  rare  books. 

London  is with  vegetables  chiefly  from  the  market-gardens  in  the 

neighbourhood  of  Hammersmith  and  Fulham. 

What  he  wanted  in  ability  was by  unremitting  assiduity. 

Youth  is  the  season  for ■  the  mind  with  sound  principles. 

The  encroachments  of  Philip  of  Macedon Demosthenes  with  the 

subject-matter  of  some  of  his  most  celebrated  orations. 

Having  obtained  entrance  to  the  prison,  he his  friend  with  the 

means  of  escaping. 

The  unfortunate  crew  having  lost  every  thing  they  possessed,  were  — — — 
with  clothes,  and with  money  to  enable  them  to  reach  their  homes. 


To  invent — to  discover. 
That  which  always  existed,  but  was  never  known,  is  dis- 
covered when  it  becomes  known.  When  things  are  combined 
in  such  a  way  as  to  produce  an  effect  never  before  known,  the 
author  of  such  a  combination  invents.  Thus,  the  expansive  power 
of  steam  was  discovered,  and  the  steam-engine  was  invented. 
America  was  discovered — not  invented,  because,  though  that 
continent  was  unknown  to  the  inhabitants  of  Europe  before 
the  year  1493,  we  may  presume  that  it  had  existed  from  the 
beginning  of  time.  Printing  was  invented — not  discovered, 
because  it  was  the  effect  produced  by  the  combination  of  metal 
type,  ink,  paper,  (fee.  Newton  discovered  the  law  of  gravita- 
tion.    Galileo  invented  the  telescope. 

[Cas.  I  could  well  wish  courtesy  would  invent 
Some  other  custom  of  entertainment.  Othello,  ii.  3. 

Pan.  Some  to  discover  islands  far  away. 

Two  Gent,  of  Verona^  i  3 

his  throne  itself 

Mixt  with  Tartarean  sulphur  and  strange  fire, 

His  own  invented  torments P.  L.  ii.  70. 

On  bold  adventure  to  discover  wide 

That  dismal  world Id ,  571. 


142  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 


-  to  principles  and  powers 


Discovered  or  invented *  The  Excursion^*  w 

How  insecure,  how  baseless  in  itself, 
Is  the  Philosophy  whose  sway  depends 
On  mc-e  material  instruments  ;  how  weak 
Those  arts  and  high  inventions,  if  unpropped 

By  virtue Id.,  viii. 

Not  with  more  transport  did  Columbus  greet 
A  world,  his  rich  discovery. Id.,  vi.] 

Exercise. 

There  has  lately  been by  M.  Menas,  in  the  convent  of  Santa 

Laura,  on  Mount  Athos,  a  manuscript  containing  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
one  Greek  fables  of  Babrius. 

There  appear  to  be  reasonable  grounds  for  the  belief  that  what  are  justly 

regarded  in  Europe  as  two  of  the  most  important of  modern  times, 

viz. ;  the  art  of  printing,  and  the  composition  of  gunpowder,  had  their  first 
origin  in  China. 

The  Chinese  had the  attractive  power  of  the  load-stone  from  re- 
mote antiquity  ;  but  its  property  of  communicating  polarity  to  iron  is  for  the 
first  time  noticed  in  a  Chinese  dictionary,  finished  A.  D.  121. 

The  date  of  the of  gunpowder  is  involved  in  obscurity.     It  has 

been  said  that  it  was  used  in  China  as  early  as  A.  D.  85.     It  has  also  been 

stated,  that  about  1336,  Berthold  Schwartz,  a  monk, the  mode  of 

manufacturing  it. 


To  keep — to  retain. 
To  keep  is  an  active — to  retain  is  a  passive  term.  We 
keep,  by  our  own  power  ;  we  retain,  through  want  of  power 
or  want  of  exertion  in  others.  What  we  have  powee:  to  pre- 
vent others  taking  from  us,  we  keep ;  what  others  do  not 
choose,  or  cannot  manage,  to  take  from  us,  we  retain.  We 
keep  money  in  trust  for  others.  We  retain  our  authority  over 
others.     Men  sometimes  retain  their  faculties  to  a  great  age. 

iHot.  I'll  keep  them  all , 
By  Heaven,  he  shall  not  have  a  Scot  of  them. 

1  Henrv  IV.,  i.  3. 

Kent.  where  is  the  patience  now 

That  you  so  oft  have  boasted  to  retain  1 

Lear,  iii  6. 
What  makes  a  nation  happy,  and  keeps  it  so 

P.  R.,  iv.  363. 

still  she  retains 

Her  maiden  gentleness ComuSf  842. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  143 


-  because  the  good  old  rule 


Sttfficeth  them,  the  simple  plan, 
That  they  should  take  who  have  the  power, 
And  they  should  keep  who  can. 

Wordsworth.    *  Rob  Roy  s  Grate. 
The  fragrant  air  its  coolness  still  retains 

*  The  Excursion,'  v.] 

Exercise. 

In  spite  of  the  most  strenuous  efforts  of  the  opposite  party,  the  new  mem- 
ber   such  influence  in  the  county,  that  at  the  next  election  he  was 

returned  to  Parliament  by  an  overwhelming  majority. 

The  prince  was  a  man  of  most  extravagant  habits  ;  he a  nume- 
rous stud  of  horses,  a  pack  of  hounds,  and  an  expensive  establishment ;  he 
gave  splendid  entertainments,  and open  house  for  all  his  friends. 

In  Scotland,  many  people  live  to  a  great  age ;  and  are  not  only  active 
and  cheerful,  but all  their  faculties  to  the  last 

Those  who themselves  clear  of  bad  company  will  be  less  likely  to 

acquire  bad  habits,  and  may their  innocence. 

The  unfortunate  prisoner,  when  led  to  the  place  of  execution,  betrayed 

no  weakness  or  fear  of  death,  but ing  his  firmness  to  the  last,  laid 

his  head  upon  the  block  with  the  most  dignified  composure. 

We  have  a  right  to what  belongs  to  us,  but  no  arguments  can 

justify  our the  property  of  another. 


To  lay — to  lie. 
The  confusion  in  the  use  of  these  verbs  has  arisen  from  the 
fact,  that  the  present  tense  of  the  first  verb  is  spelt  and  pro- 
nounced exactly  in  the  same  way  as  the  past  tense  of  the 
second ;  the  parts  of  both  verbs  are  as  follows  : — 

Pres.  Past.  Part. 

Lay  laid  laid 

Lie  lay  lain 

To  lay  is  a  transitive  verb,  and  means  to  place  down ;  to  lie 
is  an  intransitive  verb,  and  means  to  place  one's  self  down, 
C  Lay  down  the  book  =Place  the  book  down. 

1.  <   I  laid  down  the  book  =1  placed  the  book  down. 

(  The  book  was  laid  down   =The  book  was  placed  down. 
Lie  down  =Place  yourself  down. 

"  lay  down  =1  placed  myself  down, 

had  lain  down  =1  had  placed  myself  down. 


en 
(11 


144  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

{Laer.  Lay  her  in  the  earth Hamlet,  v.  1. 

Lady  M. I  laid  their  daggers  ready 

Macbeth,  ii.  2. 

Jul. when  I  am  laid  into  the  tomb 

Rom.  and  Jul.y  iv.  3. 

Rom.  there  lies  more  peril  in  thy  eye 

Id.,  ii.  2. 

Len.  Where  we  lay, 

Our  chimnies  were  blown  down 

Macbeth,  ii.  3. 
Arth.  Many  a  poor  man's  son  would  have  lain  still 
King  John,  iv.  1. 

How  glad  would  lay  me  down, 

As  in  my  mother's  lap !  P.  L.,  x.  777. 

Where  armies  lie  encamped Id.,  276. 

that  horror-striking  blade 

Drawn  in  defiance  of  the  gods,  hath  laid 
The  noble  Syracusan  low  in  dust. 

Wordsworth.    *  Dion,* 
Like  a  fair  sister  of  the  sky 
Unruffled  doth  the  blue  lake  lie 
The  mountains  looking  on.     *  Septem.,  1819.' 
When  Philoctetes  in  the  Lemnian  isle 
Like  a  Form  sculptured  on  a  monument 
Lay  couched *  Miscel.  Sonnets.^} 

Exercise. 

"  As  a  man  should  always  be  upon  his  guard  against  the  vices  to  which 
he  is  most  exposed,  so  we  should  take  a  more  than  ordinary  care  not  to 
at  the  mercy  of  the  weather  in  our  moral  conduct." 

"  Europe then  under  a  deep  lethargy,  and  was  no  otherwise  to  b? 

rescued  but  by  one  that  would  cry  mightily." 

"  It  was  a  sandy  soil,  and  the  way  had  been  full  of  dust ;  but  an  hour  or 
two  before,  a  refreshing,  fragrant  shower  of  rain  had the  dust." 

He  had  not down  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  before  the  bell  rang  for 

dinner. 

"  Homer  is  like  his  Jupiter,  has  his  terrors,  shaking  Olympus ;  Virgil, 

like  the  same  power  in  his  benevolence,  counselling  with  the  gods, ing 

plans  for  empires." 

"  He  intends  to in  a  store  of  wood  and  coals  for  the  winter." 

"  Ants  bite  off  all  the  buds  before  they it  up,  and  therefore  the 

com  that  has in  their  nests  will  produce  nothing." 


To  persevere — to  persist. 

To  persevere  has  to  do  with  the  action  ;  to  persist,  with  the 
spirit  or  will  that  prompts  it.     We  persevere  in  doing ;  we 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  145 

persist  in  thinking.  We  persevere  in  study ;  we  persist  in 
an  opinion.  By  persisting  we  remain  unchanged — that  is,  we 
lose  nothing  of  our  state.  By  persevering,  we  attain  our  end. 
Men  persist  in  belief,  error,  conceit,  &c. ;  they  persevere  in 
kindness,  virtue,  &;c. — that  is,  in  kind  and  virtuous  actions. 
To  persist  is  more  frequently  used  in  a  bad  sense  ;  to  perse- 
vere, in  a  favourable  acceptation. 

iEdm.  I  will  persevere  in  my  course  of  loyalty. 
Lear,  iii.  5. 

Wid.       for  he  persists, 

As  if  his  life  lay  in't.  AlVs  Well,  «J-c.,  iii.  7. 

who  in  the  worship  persevere 

Of  spirit  and  truth P.  L.,  xii.  532. 

I  had  persisted  happy Id.,  x.  874. 

not  content  that  former  worth  stand  fast 

Looks  forward,  persevering  to  the  last 
From  well  to  better,  daily  self-surpast. 

Wordsworth.    '  The  Happy  Warrior  * 
Persisted  openly  that  death  alone 
Should  abrogate  his  human  privilege 

*  Vaudracour  and  Julia.'i 

Exercise. 

If  you  are  determined  to in  your  error,  you  must  abide  by  the 

consequences  ;  and  you  will  find,  perhaps  when  too  late,  that  you  are  far- 
ther than  ever  from  the  accomplishment  of  your  design. 

Those  who in  doing  well  will,  in  the  end,  be  rewarded. 

Having  resolved  to  finish  his  task  by  tlie  end  of  the  second  week,  he 
——  in  writing  a  portion  of  it  every  day. 

Though  repeatedly  cross-questioned  by  the  whole  bench,  the  witness 
■  in  the  same  story,  and  his  evidence  being  afterwards  corroborated 


by  that  of  another  witness,  all  the  assertions  he  had  made  were  proved  to 
j  be  true. 

I      No  argument  could  induce  him  to  alter  his  sentiments ;  he  m 

I  maintaining  the  same  opinions  which  he  has  always  entertained  on  this 
I  subject. 

There  are  many  who  make  good  resolutions,  but  few  who  in 

!  them. 

To  err  is  human,  but  to in  error  is  diabolical. 

"  If  we in  studying  to  do  our  duty  towards  God  and  man,  we 

shall  meet  with  the  esteem,  love,  and  confidence,  of  those  who  are  around 
n«.» 

"  A  spoiled  child in  his  follies  from  perversity  of  humour." 

13 


146  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

To  teach — to  learn. 
It  is  to  be  remarked,  that  in  many  European  languages,  the 
same  word  is  used  for  to  teach  and  to  learn.  In  Shakspeare* 
and  Spenser,t  the  verb  to  learn  frequently  occurs  in  the  sense 
of  to  teach.  This  sense  is  now  obsolete.  To  learn  is  to  re- 
ceive, and  to  teach  is  to  give,  instruction.  He  who  is  taught, 
learns,  not  he  who  teaches. 

ICal.  You  taught  me  language  ;  and  my  profit  on't 
Is,  I  know  how  to  curse  :  The  red  plague  rid  you 
For  learning  me  your  language.  Tempest,  i.  2. 

Ros.  Unless  you  could  teach  me  to  forget  a  banish'd  father,  you  must  not  learn 
me  how  to  remember  any  extraordinary  pleasure. 

As  You  Like  S,  i.  2. 

Cor. by  my  body's  action,  teach  my  mind 

A  most  inherent  baseness.  Coriolanus,  iii.  2. 

Scroop.  Thy  very  beadsmen  learn  to  bend  their  bows 
Of  double-fatal  yew  against  thy  state. 

Rich.  IL,  iii.  2. 
To  teach  all  nations  what  of  him  they  learned 

P.  L.,  xii.  440 
O  dearest,  dearest  boy  !  my  heart 
For  better  lore  would  seldom  yearn 
Could  I  but  teach  the  hundredth  part 
Of  what  from  thee  I  learn. 

WoBDSWORTH.    *  Anecdote  foT  Fathers.*! 

Exercise, 

**  In  imitation  of  sounds,  that  man  should  be  the  teacher  is  no  part  of  tho 

matter ;  for  birds  will one  of  another." 

"  I  am  too  sudden  bold  ; 
To a  teacher  ill  beseemeth  me." 

"  Dissenting  ers  are  mider  no  incapacity  of  acceptmg  civil  and 

military  employments." 

"  Nor  can  a er  work  so  cheaply  as  a  skilful,  practised  artist." 

"  If  some  men wicked  things,  it  must  be  that  others  should  prac- 
tise them." 

Locke,  in  his  "  Thoughts  concerning  Education,"  says  that  pupils  should 
every  rule  by  the  practical  application  of  it,  and  not  by  tedious  il- 
lustrated precepts,  which  cannot  make  half  the  impression." 

J*  Jf  there  are  several  children,  there  is  no  better  way  of  fixing  things  in 

f  "He  would  learn 

The  lion  stoop  to  him  in  lowly  wise, 
A  lesson  hard." 
t "  Hast  thou  not  learrCd  me  hpw 

'J'o  make  perfumes  ?** 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  147 


the  memory  than  when  one  has something  to  make  him it 

to  the  others,  which  the  distinction  attending  the  act  will  always  cause  him 
to  be  eager  to  do." 

"  Let  a  pupil  understand  every  thing  that  it  is  designed  to  him 

If  he  cannot  understand  a  thing  this  year,  it  was  not  designed  by  his  Crea- 
tor that  he  should it  this  year." 


To  trust — to  credit. 
Both  these  words  signify  to  put  faith  in.  We  credit  what 
has  happened  ;  we  trust  what  is  to  happen.  We  give  credit 
to  good  news,  and  we  trust  it  will  not  prove  false.  We  give 
a  man  credit  for  his  good  intentions  ;  we  trust  he  will  turn  out 
as  we  have  reason  to  expect.  Trust  looks  forward ;  credit 
looks  back.  When  we  trust  our  property  to  others,  we  give 
them  credit  for  their  honesty. 

iBan.  That,  trusted  home, 
Might  yet  enkindle  you  unto  the  crown. 

Macbeth,  i.  3. 
Pro.  Who  having,  unto  truth,  by  telling  it 
Made  such  a  sinner  of  his  memory 

To  credit  his  own  lie Tempest,  i.  2. 

in  trusting 

He  will  accept  thee  to  defend  his  cause 

S.  A.,  1178.J 

Exercise, 

They  thought  his  character  was  not  well  enough  established  to  justify  his 
Deing to  execute  so  important  an  enterprise  ;  and  he  was  conse- 
quently withdrawn  from  the  command. 

To  the  surprise  of  all  present,  the  youthful  lecturer  displayed  a  profound 

knowledge  of  his  subject,  and  an  extent  of  reading  hardly  to  be in 

one  so  young  and  inexperienced. 

He  has  deceived  me  so  often,  that  I  can  no  longer  put  the  least  — 

in  his  promises,  nor  give  any to  his  statements. 

Though  it  wears  some  appearance  of  likelihood,  we  attach  but  little 

to  the  report ;  and  we that  affairs  will  not  turn  out  so  bad  as  they 

have  been  represented. 

I  have  placed  the  whole  affair  in  his  hands, ing  to  his  talents  and 

ingenuity  to  bring  it  to  a  happy  conclusion. 

The  account  differs  so  widely  from  that  previously  received,  and  is  so 
irreconcilable  with  known  facts,  that  it  is  not  worthy  of  the  least * 

We  can  put  no in  a  liar,  nor  give  any to  his  tales. 


148  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

To  waver — to  fluctuate. 

To  waver  has  an  active  signification.  When  we  waver,  we 
are  undecided  as  to  what  we  shall  do.  The  meaning  of  to 
fluctuate  is  passive.  In  fluctuating,  we  are  acted  upon.  Our 
state  of  mind,  or  passion,  is  affected  when  we  fluctuate.  We 
waver  in  action,  we  fluctuate  in  passion.  He  who  cannot 
make  up  his  mind  as  to  whether  he  shall  or  shall  not  act  in  a 
certain  way — wavers.  He  who  is  alternately  aflected  by  con- 
flicting passions  or  feelings — fluctuates. 

iDuke.  Our  fancies  are  more  giddy  and  unlirm, 
More  longing,  wavering,  sooner  lost  and  won  ^ 

Than  women's  are.  Tw.  Night ^  ii.  4 

propense  enough  before 

To  waver,  or  fall  off  and  join  with  idols 

<S.  A.,  456. 

as  to  passion  moved 

Fluctuates  disturbed P.  L.,  ix.  668. 

to  guard  against  the  shocks, 

The  fluctuation  and  decay  of  tnings. 

\  *  The  Excursion,^  v.] 

Exercise. 

"  So  ingenious  is  the  human  heart  in  deceiving  itself,  as  well  as  others, 
that  it  is  probable  neither  Cromwell  himself,  nor  those  making  similar  pre- 
tensions to  distinguished  piety,  could  exactly  have  fixed  the  point  at  which 
their  enthusiasm  terminated,  and  their  hypocrisy  commenced ;  or  rather,  it 

was  a  point  not  fixed  in  itself,  but ing  with  the  state  of  health,  of 

good  or  bad  fortune,  of  high  or  low  spirits,  affecting  the  individual  at  the 
period." 

"  Let  a  man,  without  trepidation  or ing,  proceed  in  discharging  his 

duty." 

"  As  the  greatest  part  of  my  estate  has  been  hitherto  of  an  unsteady  and 

volatile  nature,  either  tossed  upon  seas,  or ing  in  funds,  it  is  now  fixed 

and  settled  in  substantial  acres  and  tenements." 

"  The  tempter,  but  with  show  of  zeal  and  love 
To  man,  and  indignation  at  his  wrong, 
New  parts  puts  on,  and  as  to  passion  moved, 

disturbed." 

"  Thou  almost  mak'st  me in  my  faith, 

To  hold  opinion  with  Pythagoras, 
That  souls  of  animals  infuse  themselves 
Into  the  trunks  of  men." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  149 


Authentic — Genuine, 

The  term  authentic,  as  an  active  quality,  is  applied  to  his- 
torical documents,  memoirs,  news,  &c.,  which  are  considered 
good  authority,  and  w^orthy  of  belief,  as  regards  the  subjects 
of  which  they  treat.  Genuine  is  a  passive  word.  A  docu- 
ment is  correctly  said  to  be  genuine  when  it  is  what  it  pro- 
fesses to  be,  but  it  is  not  always,  for  that  reason,  authentic. 
Genuine  has  to  do  with  the  connection  between  a  work  and  its 
reputed  author.  Authentic  regards  its  character,  as  deserving 
of  consideration  as  a  standard  work.  Sir  Walter  Scott's  "  Life 
of  Napoleon  Bonaparte"  is  not  considered  authentic.  Chatter 
ton's  "  Rowley's  Poems"  were  discovered  to  be  not  genuine, 

[On  him  who  had  stole  Jove's  authentic  fire 

P.  i.,  iv.  719. 

Authentic  epitaphs  on  some  of  these 

Who,  from  their  lowly  mansions  liither  brought 

Beneath  this  turf  lie  mouldering  at  our  feet 

*  The  ExcursioTtj'  V. 
That  were  indeed  a  genuine  birth 
Of  poesy ;  a  bursting  forth 
Of  genius  from  the  dust.  p.  375.] 

Exercise, 

The  question  of  the of  Ossian's  poems  has  been  long  set  at  rest. 

The  most account  of  this  transaction  may  be  found  in  "  Sonnini's 

Travels  in  Egypt." 

The  character  of  this  extraordinary  scholar  was  made  up  of  the  most 

. simplicity,  accompanied  with  the  quickest  sagacity  and  the  deepest 

penetration. 

His  memory  was  so  wonderful,  that  there  was  scarcely  a  Greek  or  Roman 

author  of  whose  works  he  could  not  describe  all  the manuscripts,  and 

inform  you  of  their  exact  worth,  as  throwing  any  light  on  the  history  of  their 
times. 

We  have  reasonable  grounds  to  doubt  the of  the  account  concern 

ing  the  discovery  of  Richard  the  First  by  his  favourite  minstrel,  Blondel. 

It  was  Niebuhr's  opinion  that  several  of  the  books  said  to  have  been  writ 
ten  by  Julius  Cassar  are  not . 

"  We  are  surprised  to  find  verses  of  so  modem  a  cast  as  the  following  at 
such  an  early  period ;  which  in  this  sagacious  age  we  should  judge  to  be  a 

forgery,  was  not  then*  — • — ness ated,  and  their  antiquity  conlirmed 

by  the  venerable  types  of  Caxton." 

13* 


150  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


Actual — Real, 

Actual  qualifies  what  is  done,  and  refers  to  a  previous  act ; 
real  refers  to  what  simply  exists  as  an  object  of  thought. 
The  former  is  active,  the  latter  passive  in  meaning.  When 
we  speak  of  the  actual  condition  of  a  country,  we  signify  the 
condition  into  which  it  has  been  brought  by  previous  acts  ; 
when  we  speak  of  its  real  condition,  we  mean  the  state  in 
which  it  exists  as  an  object  of  contemplation.  Actual  is  op- 
posed to  suppositious ;  real  is  opposed  to  imaginary,  feigned, 
or  artificial.     An  actual  fact,  a  real  sentiment. 

iDoct,  In  this  slumbry  agitation,  besides  her  walking  and  other  actual  perform- 
ances, &c.  Macbeth,  V.  1. 

Cor.  or  must  omit 

Real  necessities Coriolanus,  iii.  1. 

whereat  I  waked  and  found 

Before  mine  eyes  all  real P.  L.,  viii.  310 

to  the  gazer's  eye 

Deeper  than  ocean,  in  the  immensity 
Of  its  vague  mountains  and  unreal  sky ! 

Wordsworth.    'Evening  Voluntaries.^} 

Exercise. 

"  When  I  place  an  imaginary  name  at  the  head  of  a  character,  I  examine 

every  letter  of  it,  that  it  may  not  bear  any  resemblance  to  one  that  is ." 

"  In  this  slumbry  agitation,  besides  her  walking  and  other per- 
formances, what,  at  any  time,  have  you  heard  her  say  ?" 

"  We  do  but  describe  an  imaginary  world,  that  is  but  h'ttle  akin  to  the 

one." 

"  For  he  that  but  conceives  a  crime  in  thought 

Contracts  the  danger  of  an fault ; 

Then  what  must  he  expect  that  still  proceeds 
To  finish  sin,  and  work  up  thoughts  to  deeds  ?" 
"  The  very  notion  of  any  duration  being  past  implies  that  it  was  once 

present ;  for  the  idea  of  being  once  present  is* ly  included  in  the  idea 

of  its  being  past." 

"  Imaginary  distempers  are  attended  with and  unfeigned  suffer- 
ings." 

"  These  orators  influence  the  people,  whose  anger  is ly  but  a  short 

fit  of  madness." 

"  All  men  acknowledge  themselves  able  and  ^ftfficient  to  do  many  things 
which ly  they  never  do." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  151 

Awkward — Clumsy, 
An  awkward  man  wants  grace  of  action  ;  a  clumsy  man  wants 
grace  of  shape.  Awkward  is  opposed  to  adroit;  clumsy  is 
opposed  to  elegant.  Awkward  has  an  active;  clumsy,  a  pas- 
sive meaning.  We  do  not  discover  awkwardness  before  some- 
thing is  done ;  clumsiness  is  seen  in  the  very  appearance  of  a 
thing  or  person.  A  clumsy  man  may  hare  an  awkward  gait. 
We  speak  of  an  awkward  manner,  and  a  clumsy  appearance. 
An  awkward  man  is  not  always  clumsy ;  for  many  persons  of 
elegant  figure  and  appearance  are  any  thing  but  adroit  in  their 
actions.  In  the  expression  "  an  awkward  excuse,"  we  regard 
the  maker  of  it ;  the  phrase  "  a  clumsy  excuse"  points  to  the 
nature  of  the  excuse  when  made. 

I  Ulys  with  ridiculous  and  awkward  action 

Trail,  and  Cress.^  i.  3.1 

Exercise, 

"  I  hardly  know  any  thing  so  difficult  to  attain,  or  so  necessary  to  possess, 
as  perfect  good  breeding  ;  which  is  equally  inconsistent  with  a  stiff  formality, 
an  impertinent  forwardness,  and  an bashfulness." 

**  All  the  operations  of  the  Greeks  in  sailing  were  and  un- 
skilful." 

"  Their  own  language  is  worthy  their  care  ;  and  they  are  judged  of  by 
their  handsome  or way  of  expressing  themselves  in  it." 

This  is,  after  all,  but  a  contrivance,  and  I  fear  will  not  answer 

the  purpose  for  which  it  is  intended. 

«  Montaigne  had  many imitators,  who,  under  the  notion  of  writing 

with  the  fire  and  freedom  of  this  lively  old  Gascon,  have  fallen  into  confused 
rhapsodies  and  uninteresting  egotisms." 

All  the  work  he  was  set  to  was  so ^ly  done,  that  it  was  soon  found 

necessary  to  discharge  him  from  the  office. 


Apt — Fit, 
Apt  has  an  active  sense, ^^  represents  a  passive  state.  We 
are  naturally  apt ;  we  are  rendered  fit.  Those  who  are  quick 
of  apprehension  are  apt  scholars.  Those  who  have  studied 
sufficiently  are  Jit  to  undertake  certain  duties.  Children  are 
apt  to  make  mistakes.     Well  seasoned  wood  is  fit  for  use. 


152  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Apt  represents  a  natural  tendency ;  fit  represents  an  acquired 
power. 

[Luc. hands  apt,  drugs  fit Hamlet,  iii.  2 

Ghost.  I  find  thee  apt ;  Id.j  i.  5. 

Ham.  To  take  him  in  the  purging  of  his  soul, 
When  he  is  fit  and  seasoned  for  his  passage  ? 

Id.,  iii.  3. 
But  apt  the  mind  or  fancy  is  to  rove. 

P.  L.,  viii.  188. 

Atlantean  shoulders  fit  to  bear 

The  weight  of  mightiest  monarchies 

Id.,  ii.  306. 

our  hearts  more  apt  to  sympathize 

With  heaven,  our  souls  more  fit  for  future  glory. 

Wordsworth.    *  Miscel.  Sonnets.  \ 

Exercise. 

"  Nor  holy  rapture  wanted  they,  to  praise 

Their  Maker  in strains,  pronounced  or  sung." 

"  If  you  have  a  wise  sentence  or  an phrase,  commit  it  to  your 

memory." 

"  It  is  a  wrong  use  of  ray  understanding  to  make  it  the  rule  and  measure 

of  another  man's  ;  a  use  w^hich  it  is  neither for,  nor  capable  of." 

"  Men  are to  think  well  of  themselves,  and  of  their  nation,  their 

courage,  and  strength." 

"  Men  of  valour to  go  out  for  war  and  battle." 

"  Even  those  who  are  near  the  court  are to  deduce  wrong  conse- 
quences, by  reasoning  upon  the  motives  of  actions." 

"  He  lends  him  vain  Goliah's  sacred  sword, 

The est  help  just  fortune  could  afford." 

The  poor  man  had  become  so  weak  and  emaciated  by  his  long  illness,  that  he 

was  no  longer to  work,  and  was  wholly  unable  to  maintain  his  family. 

*' words  can  strike  ;  and  yet  in  them  we  see 

Faint  images  of  what  we  here  enjoy." 
*  One  who  has  not  these  lights  is  a  stranger  to  what  he  reads,  and  is  — . 
to  put  a  wrong  interpretation  upon  it." 


Contented — Satisfied. 
Contented  refers  to  the  state  into  which  we  have  brought 
our  mind  by  our  own  determination  ;  it  represents  the  result 
of  our  own  act.  Satisfied  qualifies  that  state  of  mind  which 
is  the  consequence  of  some  external  action.  Conteatment 
comes  from  within  ;  satisfaction  proceeds  from  without.     We 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  153 

are  the  authors  of  our  own  contentment ;  others  cause  our 
satisfaction.  When  we  restrain  our  desires,  we  are  contented  ; 
when  our  desires  are  gratiiiedj  we  are  satisfied.  There  is 
merit  in  contentment,  since  it  argues  considerable  power  of 
mind.  The  poor  are  often  contented ;  the  avaricious  are 
never  satisfied. 

IK,  Hen.  we  are  contented 

To  wear  our  mortal  state Henry  VIIL,  ii.  4. 

Laer.  I  am  satisfied  in  nature 
Whose  motive,  in  this  case,  should  stir  me  most 

To  my  revenge Hamlet,  v.  2 

Angels,  contented  with  their  fame  in  heaven 

P.  L.y  vi.  373. 
How  fully  hast  thou  satisfied  me,  pure 
Intelligence  of  heaven,  angel  serene  ? 

Id.,  viii.  180. 
Age  steal  to  his  allotted  nook 

Contented  and  serene.  Wordsworth.    *  Memory. 

Weeping  and  looking,  looking  on  and  weeping 
Upon  the  last  sweet  slumber  of  her  child. 
Until  at  length  her  soul  was  satisfied. 

*  The  Excursion,^  vl.J 

JExercise. 

"  No  man  should  be  — with  himself  that  he  barely  does  well,  but  he 

should  perform  every  thing  in  the  best  manner  he  is  able." 

"  It  is  necessary  to  an  easy  and  happy  life,  to  possess  our  minds  in  such  a 

manner  as  to  be  well with  our  own  reflections." 

"  To  distant  lands  Vertumnus  never  roves, 
Like  you, with  his  native  groves." 

The  poorest  man  may  be • ;  but  the  most  enormous  wealth  and 

most  successful  ambition  have  seldom  produced . 

"  As  I  have  been  disappointed  myself,  it  will  be  very  hard  if  I  have  not 
the of  seeing  other  people  succeed  better." 

"  I  ask  you  whether  a  gentleman  who  has  seen  a  Httle  of  the  world,  and 

observed  how  men  live  elsewhere,  can  ly  sit  down  in  a  cold,  damp 

habitation,  in   the   midst   of  a  bleak   country,  inhabited  by  thieves   and 

8?" 

<  I  am ;  my  boy  has  done  his  duty." 

'  He  expressed  himself  perfectly with  his  task." 


Efficacious-'— Effectual. 
That  which  possesses  a  large  share  of  power  to  bring  about 
an  effect  is  qualified  as  efficacious ;  that  which  has  already 


154  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES. 

produced  an  effeet  is  qualified  as  effectual.  A  remedy  is  effi- 
cacious, which  is  known  to  possess  all  the  properties  required 
to  produce  a  cure ;  a  remedy  is  effectual,  which  we  know, 
from  experience,  to  have  already  effected  cures.  Severity 
may  be  efficacious,  even  when  not  practised ;  it  is  also 
found  to  have  been  effectual,  i.  e.  has  produced  the  desired 
effect. 

iPro.  the  doom 

(Which,  unreversed,  stands  in  effectual  doom) 

Two  Gent,  of  Verona^  iii.  1. 

that  spirit,  that  first  rushed  in  thee 

In  the  camp  of  Dan 

Be  efficacious  in  thee  now  at  need  !     S.  A.,  1437. 

the  sun  with  more  effectual  beams 

Had  cheered  the  face  of  earth P.  R.,  iv.  432. 

Examples  efficacious  to  refine 

Rude  intercourse *  The  Excursion,'  viii. 

The  bells  of  Rylstone  seemed  to  say- 
While  she  sate  listening  in  the  shade, 
With  vocal  music—'  God  us  ayde  ;' 
•    And  all  the  hills  were  glad  to  bear 
Their  part  in  this  effectual  prayer. 

*  White  Doe  of  Rylstone.'l 

Exercise. 

"  He  who  labors  to  lessen  the  dignity  of  human  nature  destroys  many 
•  motives  for  practishig  worthy  actions." 


"  Sometimes,  the  sight  of  the  altar,  and  decent  preparations  for  devotion, 

may  compose  and  recover   the  wandering  mind   more  ly  than  a 

sermon." 

"  Nothing  so ly  deadens  the  taste  of  the  sublime  as  that  which  is 

light  and  radiant." 

On  this  occasion,  the  government  displayed  a  severity  which  was  well 

known  to  be in  such   cases.     The   result  justified    their  views, 

for  these   severe   measures  ly  prevented  a  repetition  of  the   like 

olfences. 

These  disturbances  at  length  rose  to  such  an  alarming  height,  that  it  weia 
found  necessary  to  adopt  some  means  of  quelling  them ;  and  ac- 
cordingly, a  large  body  of  soldiers  was  marched  into  the  immediate  neighbor- 
hood of  the  riots,  which  kept  the  rebels  in  awe,  and  soon  re-established  order 
throughout  the  country. 

Kindness  united  with  firmness  is  a  more means  of  securing  obedi- 
ence than  indiscriminate  harshness  and  severity. 


OK  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  155 

Efficient — Effective. 

What  has  power  to  produce  an  effect  is  effective.  What 
actually  does  produce  an  effect  is  efficient.  An  effective  force 
is  one  which,  when  put  in  action,  is  capable  of  bringing  about 
a  certain  result ;  an  efficient  force  is  one  which  is  actually 
engaged  in  action.  We  judge  of  what  is  effective,  from  its 
appearance ;  we  judge  of  what  is  efficient,  from  its  acts.  An 
efficient  body  of  police  is  one  by  whose  daily  efforts  crime  is 
prevented  and  property  preserved;  an  effective  body  of  police 
is  one  which,  judging  from  its  force,  numbers,  and  other 
external  circumstances,  has  the  power  to  produce  the  same 
effect. 

Exercise. 

"  I  should  suspend  my  congratulations  on  the  new  liberties  of  France, 
until  I  was  informed  how  it  had  been  combined  with  government,  with  Iho 
discipline  of  the  armies,  and  the  collection  of  an  ■  revenue." 

*'  No  searcher  has  yet  found  the cause  of  sleep." 

*'  Nor  do  they  speak  properly  who  say  that  time  consumes  all  things,  for 
time  is  not ,  nor  are  bodies  destroyed  by  it." 

"  The  magnetic  fluid  may  be  an cause  in  occasionuig  the  in- 
clination of  the  earth's  axis ;  yet  no  variation  of  this  dip  has  been  ever  ob- 
served." 

*'  There  is  nothing  in  words  and  styles  but  suitableness  that  makes 
them ." 

He  has  applied  himself    with   such   diligence  to  the  business  of   the 

office,  that  he  is  now  become  one  of  the  most members  of  the 

government. 

Creosote  is  now  known  as  an remedy  in  memy  diseases. 


Expert — Experienced, 
Expert  has  to  do  with  the  hand ;  experienced^  with  the 
head.  Experienced  men  are  tried  in  counsel ;  expert  men 
are  tried  in  action.  The  expert  have  continual  practice  ;  the 
experienced  have  had  much  practice,  and  have  acquired  much 
knowledge.  Young  persons  may  be  expert,  but  they  can  never 
be  experienced.  Experience  must  be  gained  by  time.  The 
experienced  form  the  design,  and  intrust  it  for  execution  to  the 
expert. 


156  f^RACTlCAL    EXERCISUg 

iCas. his  pilot 

Of  very  expert  and  approy'd  allowance 

Othello  J  ii.  1. 
Auf.  As  best  thou  art  experienced,  since  thou  know'sl 

Thy  country's  strength  and  weakness 

CoriolcmuSf  iv.  &. 
What  pilot  so  expert  but  needs  must  wreck, 
Imbarked  with  such  a  steersman  at  the  helm  ? 

S.  A.,  1044. 

he  through  the  armed  files 

Darts  his  experienced  eye P.  Z».,  1.  568. 

whose  experienced  eye  can  pierce  the  array 

Of  past  events Wordsworth.    '  Sonnets  to  Lit  etty.^i 

Exercise, 

"  "'  men  can  execute,  and  judge  of  particulars,  one  by  one  ;  but  th« 

general  counsels,  and  the  plots  and  marshalling  of  affairs  come  best  from 
those  that  are  learned." 

**  To  him —  Nestor  thus  rejoined, 

O  friend,  what  sorrows  dost  thou  bring  to  mind  V* 
"  The  meanest  sculptor  in  th'  iEmilian  square 
Can  imitate  in  brass  the  nails  and  hab, 

'        in  trifles,  and  a  cunning  fool, 
Able  t'  express  the  parts,  bnt  not  dispose  the  whole." 
"  We  must  perfect,  as  much  as  we  can,  our  ideas  of  the  distinct  species  J 

or  learn  them  from  such  as  are  used  to  that  soil  of  things,  and  are 

in  them." 

"  This  army,  for  the and  valour  of  the  soldiers,  was  thought  suf- 
ficient to  have  met  the  greatest  army  of  the  Turks." 

"  He  through  the  armed  files 

Darts  his eye." 

Without  the  faculty  of  memory,  no  advantage  could  be  derived  from  th« 

most  enlarged . 

"  Fearless  they  combat  every  hostile  wind, 
Wheeling  in  many  tracks  with  couree  inclined, 
to  moor,  where  terrors  line  the  road." 


Fruitful — Fertile* 
Ground  which  requires  but  little  culture  is  fertile.  Trees 
which  bear  much  fruit  bjq  fruitful.  Aptness  for  cultivation  ia 
the  cause  of  fertility ;  actual  production  is  the  proof  of  fruit 
fulness.  In  a  moral  sense,  the  same  distinction  exists.  A 
fertile  invention  possesses  a  readiness  of  contrivance ;  a 
fruitful  invention  has  numerous  contrivances  ready  for  use 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  157 

A  fertile  country  has  the  power  of  producing ;  a  fruitful 
country  does  produce.  Fertility  is  not  fruitfulness,  but  fruit- 
fulness  implies  fertility. 

iLov.  —  as  fruitful  as  the  land  that  feeds  us 

Henry  YIIL,  i.  3 

Cal. barren  place  and  fertile      Tempest,  i.  2. 

where  nature  multiplies 

Her  fertile  growth,  and  by  disburdening  grows 

More  fruitful P.  L.,  v.  319 

A  gentler  life  spreads  round  the  holy  spires ; 
Where'er  they  rise,  the  sylvan  waste  retires, 
And  a6ry  harvests  crown  the  fertile  lea. 

Wordsworth.    '  Eccles.  Sonnets.^) 

Exercise,  ^-^ 

In  many  of  the  West  India  islands,  the  earth  is  so and  requires 

so  little  human  labour,  that  the  plants  and  herbs  may  be  almost  said  to 
grow  spontaneously. 

It  may  be  said  with  truth  that  vanity  is  the  most —  source  of  hu- 
man unhappiness,  for  there  is  scarcely  a  single  vice  to  which  it  may  not 
lead,  unless  it  be  checked  in  early  years. 

The  southern  side  of  the  island  is  very ,  and  requires  but  little 

cultivation ;  in  other  parts,  however,  the  soil  is  comparatively  barren,  and 
with  considerable  labour,  but  very  poor  crops  are  produced. 

Our  orchard  has  proved  more this  year  than  for  many  previous 

summers.      The —  of  the  trees  is  partly  owing  to  the  natural • 

of  the  soil,  and  partly  to  the  warm  sun  and  refreshing  showers  which  have 
been  so  prevalent  during  the  whole  of  the  season. 

In  the  year  1811,  the of  the  vine,  both  in  France  and  Germany, 

was  remarkable.  For  many  years  after,  the  wines  of  that  year's  growth 
were  in  great  request  in  both  those  countries,  and  to  this  day  they  are 
talked  of  with  pride  by  the  old  vine-dressers. 


Friendly — Amicable. 
Amicable  is  a  passive  ;  friendly  is  an  active  word.  The 
former  is  applied  to  conditions  of  life,  or  states  of  being ;  the 
latter  qualifies  persons.  Men  are  friendly ;  an  intercourse  is 
amicable.  We  discover  persons  to  be  friendly  by  their 
actions.  The  state  in  which  persons  live  may  be  amicable. 
Those  who  entertain  a  friendly  feeling  towards  each  other 
live  amicably  together.  A  friendly  visit,  offer,  &;c.  ;  an 
amicable  arrangement,  accommodation,  &c. 

14 


158  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

[Glo   Now  let  thy  friendly  hand 
Put  strength  enough  to  it.  Lear,  iv.  C. 

If  he  be  friendly,  he  comes  well ;  if  not 
Defence  is  a  good  cause,  and  Heaven  be  for  us. 

Comus,  488.J 

Exercise, 

**  What  first  presents  itself  to  be  recommended  is  a  disposition  averse 

from  offence,  and  desirous  of  cultivating  harmony,  and intercourse 

in  society." 

"  Who  slake  his  thirst ;  who  spread  the board, 

To  give  the  famished  Belisarius  food?" 
"  As  I  acknowledged  this,  I  felt   a  suffusion  of  a  finer  kind  upon  my 

cheek — more  warm  and to  man,  than  what  Burgundy  (at  least  of 

two  livres  a  bottle,  which  was  such  as  I  had  been  drinking)  could  have 
produced." 

"  In  Holland  itself,  where  it  is  pretended  that  th«  variety  of  sects  live 

so ly  together,  it  is  notorious  how  a  turbulent  party,  joining  with  the 

Arminians,  did  attempt  to  destroy  the  republic." 

"  They  gave  them  thanks,  desiring  them  to  be still  unto  them." 

"  Nations,  grown as  the   flocks  and  herds,  shall  depute  their 

monarchs  to  meet  at  a  festival  of  the  world  for  commemorating  the  jubilee 
of  a  fifty  years'  peace." 

"  Thou  to  mankind 
Be  good  and still,  and  oft  return." 


Health]/ — Wholesome. 
That  is  healthy  which  promotes  or  increases  our  bodily- 
strength.  That  is  wholesome  which  does  no  harm  to  our 
physical  constitution,  but  possesses  the  quality  of  health. 
Pure  air,  exercise,  occupations,  &c.,  are  healthy ;  plain  food, 
diet,  &c.,  are  wholesome.  The  internal  functions  of  the 
body  are  disorganized  by  unwholesome  food ;  the  physical 
powers  are  improved  by  healthy  air  and  regular  exercise. 
In  like  manner,  abstractly,  a  wholesome  doctrine  is  a  pre- 
servative to  our  morality ;  a  healthy  tone  of  mind  tends  to  the 
improvement  of  our  faculties.  What  is  healthy  acts  upon  us ; 
what  is  wholesome,  we  act  upon. 

[Lucio,  Nay,  not  as  one  would  say  healthy ; 

Meas.for  Meas.,  i.  2. 
,  Gard.  The  noisome  weeds  that  without  profit  suck 
The  soil's  fertiUty  from  wholesome  flowers. 

Rich.  II.,  iii.  4. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  159 

the  still  night,  not  now,  as  ere  man  fell, 

Wholesome  and  cool  and  mild P.  L.,  x.  847. 

—  every  moral  feeling  of  his  soul 
Strengthened  and  braced,  by  breathing,  m  content, 
The  keen,  the  wholesome  air  of  poverty 
And  drinking  from  the  well  of  homely  life 

*  The  Excursion f^  i.] 

Exercise. 

The  severity  of  the  labour,  and  the  un state  of  the  a  tmosphere 

ai  which  they  work,  operate  most  injuriously  on  the  physical  constitution  of 
this  class  of  the  population. 

All  sour  fruits,  strong  wines,  and  ardent  spirits,  are  universally  condemn- 
ed as  un food  for  children. 

The situation  of  the  house,  and  the  order  and  regularity  with 

which  the  establishment  is  conducted,  have  greatly  contributed  to  raise  its 
reputation. 

Plain, food,  pure  air,  and  regular  exercise,  will  not  only  strengthen 

the  bodily  powers,  but  will  also  preserve  the  mental  faculties  in  a 

state. 

A  close,  damp  situation,  accumulated  matter  in  a  state  of  decomposition, 
and  want  of  proper  ventilation,  are  the  certain  elements  of  disease,  and 
make  rapid  inroads  on  the  most constitution. 

He  is  a  strong, man ;  he  rises  early,  works  hard,  lives  on 

fare,  and  enjoys  refreshing  sleep. 

"  Gardening  or  husbandry,  or  working  in  wood,  are  fit  and re- 
creations for  a  man  of  study  or  business." 

"  So  that  the  doctrine  contained  be  but and  edifying,  a  want  of 

exactness  in  speaking  may  be  overlooked." 


Impracticable — Impossible. 
The  first  of  these  terms  has  an  active,  the  second  a  passive 
sense.  The  distinction  between  them  is,  that  the  first  re- 
gards those  designs  which  cannot  be  accomplished  by  human 
skill  or  ingenuity ;  whilst  the  second  is  applied  to  those  things 
which  are  contrary  to  the  existing  laws  of  nature,  or  to  com- 
mon sense.  Thus,  nothing  is  impossible  to  God,  because  he 
is  above  the  laws  of  nature.  It  is  impossible  for  a  man  to  be 
in  two  places  at  once.  It  is  impossible  that  two  and  two 
should  make  more  or  less  than  four.  The  design  of  cutting 
a  canal  across  the  isthmus  of  Darien  may  have  been  hitherto 
impracticable,  but  it  is  not  impossible  that  it  may,  one  day,  be 


160  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

carried  into  execution.  Again,  the  navigation  of  some  rivers 
may  be  impracticable,  but  it  is  not  impossible  that  improve- 
ments in  science  may  so  far  overcome  natural  obstacles,  as  to 
render  it  practicable. 

I  Ant.  — -  'tis  as  impossible 

That  he's  widroun'd,  as  he  that  sleeps  here,  swims 

Tempest  J  ii.  1. 
The  rest  was  craggy  cliff,  that  overhung 
Still  as  it  rose,  impossible  to  climb       P.  L.  iv.  548 

'tis  a  thing  impossible  to  frame 

Conceptions  equal  to  the  soul's  desires. 

'  The  ExcurrdMy^  iv.] 

Exercise, 

It  is to  comprehend  the  nature  of  God. 

We  were  obliged  to  abandon  the  plan,  as  it  was  found  to  be . 

When  you  say  that  two  straight  lines  can  inclose  a  ^pace,  you  assert 
what  is . 

It  is  folly  to  consider  things because  they  are . 

It  is —  that  a  boy  of  twelve  years  should  have  the  experience  of  a 

man  of  forty. 

With  men,  this  is ;  but  with  God,  all  things  are  possible. 

"  To  preach  up  the  necessity  of  that  which  our  experience  tells  us  ia 
were  to  affright  mankind  with  a  terrible  prospect." 


Intolerable — Insufferable.'^ 

Intolerable  is   an  active  quality — insufferable  has  a  passive 

meaning.     The  former  qualifies  that  v^hich  our  mind  or  body 

has  not  power  to  fight  against ;  the  latter,  that  which  our 

moral  or  physical  constitution  will  not  allow  us  to  endure. 

The  same  distinction  holds  good  between  the  verbs  to  sufier 

and  to  tolerate.     Cold,  heat,  pain,  thirst,  (fee,  are  insufferable  ; 

pride,  vanity,  rudeness,  &c.,  are  intolerable.     In  suffering,  we 

are  acted  upon ;  in  tolerating,  we  act. 

p.  Hen. but  one  halfpenny- worth  of  bread  to  this  intolerable  deal  of  sack ' 

1  Henry  IV.,  ii.  4. 

Those  heavenly  shapes 

Will  dazzle  now  this  ear  hly,  with  their  blaze 
Insufferably  bright. P.  i.,  x.  1084.] 

Exercise. 
In  the  last  engagement,  he  received  a  sabre-wound  in  his  left  shoulder 

which  put  him  to  such pain,  that  he  fainted,  and  was  carried  off  tho 

field  by  some  of  his  comrades. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  '61 

The  heat  of  the  climate  during  three  months  is ,  and  causes  so 

great  a  mortality,  that  in  some  places  the  towns  are  almost  deserted  by 
the  inhabitants,  who  seek  the  cooler  and  more  refreshing  atmosphere  of 
the  mountains. 

The  overseer  behaved  with  such harshness  and  arrogance,  that 

not  a  man  in  the  establishment  would  serve  under  him ;  and  all  the  work- 
men signed  a  petition  to  the  governor  praying  for  his  removal. 

She so  intensely  from  head-ache,  that  she  frequently  lies  for  whole 

days  on  her  bed,  unable  to  move  or  to  make  the  slightest  exertion. 

It  is  the  most  rational  philosophy  to those  evils  for  which  no 

remedy  can  be  found. 


Likely — Probable, 
Likely  is  an  active  word  ;  probable,  a  passive.  Men  and 
things  are  likely;  things  are  probable.  Likely  refers  to  the 
present  state  of  a  thing  with  respect  to  its  future  state  ;  proba- 
ble refers  to  its  future  state  with  respect  to  what  it  now  is. 
If  we  take  the  two  expressions  :  1,  "  A  likely  story,"  and  2, 
"  A  probable  story,"  the  difference  between  therti  will  be,  that 
a  likely  story  is  one  which,  from  internal  evidence  and  present 
appearance,  carries  conviction  of  its  truth.  A  probable  story 
is  one  which  has  the  chances  in  its  favour,  but  which  we 
are  not  so  readily  inclined  to  believe  as  the  other.  What  is 
likely  is  always  probable  ;  but  what  is  probable  is  not  always 
likely.  Likelihood  depends  upon  appearances  ;  probability, 
upon  the  number  of  chances  in  its  favour.  A  bright  morning 
is  likely  to  turn  out  a  fine  day ;  but  it  is  probable  that  it  will 
be  foggy,  if  it  be  during  the  month  of  November.  We  speak 
of  a  likely,  never  of  a  probable  person. 

iMor. he  walked  o'er  perils,  on  an  edge, 

More  likely  to  fall  in,  than  to  get  o'er. 

2  Henry  IV.,  1.  1. 

C(Bs.  Most  probable 

That  so  she  died Antony  and  Cleopatruy  V.  2. 

Seek  not  temptation  then,  which  to  avoid 

Were  better,  and  most  likely  if  from  me 

Thou  sever  not.  P.  L.  ix.  365.] 

Exercise. 

It  is  very that  I  shall  be  obliged,  in  the  course  of  next  month,  to 

make  a  journey  to  the  Highlands. 

14* 


162  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The effect  of  my  delay  in  the  country  will  be  the  neglect  of  my 

affairs  in  town,  and  perhaps  the  loss  of  much  business. 

It  is that  my  cousin  will  arrive  in  England  towards  the  end  of 

next  month. 

From  the  present  appearance  of  affairs,  I  should  think  such  a  conclusion 
very . 

It  is that  if  Napoleon  had  conquered  the  English,  he  would  have 

succeeded  in  establishing  a  universal  monarchy  in  Europe. 

The  weather  is  now  settled,  and  I  think  it  very that  we  shall 

have  a  fine  day  for  our  excursion. 

"  It  seems that  he  was  in  hopes  of  being  busy  and  conspicuous." 

"  That  is  accounted which  has  better  arguments  producible  for  it, 

than  can  be  brought  against  it." 


Lovely-^Amiahle ,  -  '■  ^  *  ^*  -^ 
Amiable  has  a  passive  sense,  and  signifies  deserving  of 
love.  Lovely  is  active  in  its  signification,  and  means  inspi- 
ring love.  The  disposition  and  character  are  amiable ;  the 
outward  appearance  is  lovely.  Beauty  of  form,  shape,  colour, 
&c.,  are  lovely ;  the  kind,  gentle,  tender,  and  affectionate  are 
amiable.  We  speak  of  an  amiable  wife  or  daughter  ;  and  of 
a  lovely  evening,  flower,  sunset,  &;c.  Amiable  is  never  ap- 
plied to  things,  and  lovely  never  to  moral  qualities.  We  can 
neither  say  an  amiable  flower,  nor  a  lovely  temper. 

[Friar.  And  every  lovely  organ  of  her  life 
Shall  come  apparelled  in  more  precious  habit 

Much  Ado  J  SfC,  iv.  1 
0th.  'T  would  make  her  amiable,  and  subdue  my  father 

Entirely  to  her  love Othello,  iii.  4. 

More  lovely  thar  Pandora,  whom  the  Gods 

Endowed  with  al  their  gifts P.  L.,  iv.  714 

With  what  all  earth  or  heaven  couJd  bestow 

To  make  her  amiable Id.,  viii.  484. 

A  lovely  Apparition,  sent 
To  be  a  moment's  ornament. 

WoRDSWORTHj  p.  143.] 

Exercise. 

Though  of  an  excellent  temper,  and  most disposition,  he  coulc 

be  very  strict  and  even  severe  when  the  occasion  required,  and  managed 
all  the  affairs  of  the  institution  with  the  utmost  prudence  and  dis- 
crimination. 

On  arriving  at  Remagen,  we  took  post-horses  to  Ahrweiler,  and  travelling 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  163 

trough  the valley  of  the   Ahr,   arrived   m   about   two   hours  at 

.Itenahr,  about  twenty  miles  from  the  Rhine. 

The  door  was  opened  by  a  young  woman  of  most appearance, 

ho  asked  us,  in  the  kindest  tone,  to  walk  in  and  take  some  refreshment 
fter  our  long  journey. 

We  had  scarcely  been  seated  five  minutes,  when  the  door  opened,  and  in 
alked  a little  girl,  apparently  about  five  years  old. 

He  is  just  the  proper  person  to  mediate  between  the  parties  ;  for  his 
temper,   inflexible   justice,    and   the    esteem   in  which   they  both 


old  him,  make  it  very  likely  that  he  will  succeed  in  reconciling  them  to 
ach  other. 

**  More  fresh  and than  the  rest 

That  in  the  meadows  grew." 

"  Sweet  Auburn, village  of  the  plain." 

"  Tully  has  a  very  beautiful  gradation  of  thoughts  to  shew  how  - 
irtue  is." 


Malicious — Malignant, 
Malicious  is  exerting  malice  ;  malignant  is  possessing  mal- 
ce.  A  malicious  feeling  is  one  which  does  harm  to  others  ; 
I  malignant  disposition  is  one  which  may  be  easily  excited  to 
io  injury.  Malicious  implies  an  active,  malignant  a  passive 
3r  dormant  feeling.  Things  are  seldom  qualified  as  malicious, 
though  often  as  malignant ;  as  a  malignant  fever,  disease,  in- 
fluence, climate,  &c. 

iWol.       "We  must  not  stint 

Our  necessary  actions,  in  the  fear 

To  cope  mahcious  censurers Henry  Vlll.y  1.  2. 

Wol.  His  will  is  most  malignant        Id.,  1.  2. 

what  malicious  foe 

Envying  our  happiness P.  I,.,  ix.  252. 

To  good  maUgnant,  to  bad  men  benign.  "^  .    . 

Id. J  xii.  538.  I  >-_,,.'} 

To  laughter  multiplied  in  louder  peals 

By  his  malicious  wit *  The  Excursion^  vi 

remote 

From  evil  speaking  ;  rancour  never  sought 
Comes  to  me  not ;  malignant  truth  nor  lie. 

*  Personal  Talk:i 

Exercise, 

The  disposition  of  the  minister  was  so  against  me,  that  he  left 

nothmg  untried  to  compass  my  ruin.    Unhappily  for  me,  an  occasion  soon 


164  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

presented  itself.    I  was  traduced  to  the  king,  thrown  into  prison,  and  all  dg 

honors  and  estates  conferred  on  another. 

I  was  now  in  a  deplorable  condition ;  my  wife  lay  ill  of  a  — —  feveri 
my  two  sons  were  too  young  to  do  any  thing  for  themselves,  and  I  had  na 
a  farthing  in  the  world  to  procure  them  the  commonest  necessaries  of  life. 

The  unhealthy  state  of  many  chmates  is  caused  by  the vapouw 

which  rise  from  extensive  tracts  of  land  covered  with  stagnant  water.     F^ 
ver,  ague,  arid  rheumatism  are  thus  engendered  to  a  fearful  extent. 

It  required  all  his  vigilance  and  caution  to  keep  clear  of  the  intrigues  oi 

his foe,  who  thwarted  all  his  plans,  and  in  many  cases  successfuUj 

•  interfered  with  his  designs  for  the  public  improvement. 

Go  not  near  him ;  his  influence  is  most ,  and  it  will  affect  not  youri 

self  only,  but  also  your  friends. 

"  Greatness,  the  earnest  of fate 

For  future  woe,  was  never  meant  a  good." 
"  Still  horror  reigns,  a  dreary  twilight  round 
Of  struggling  night  and  day mixed." 


Mercantile —  Commercial. 
Mercantile  is  used  in  an  active  sense  ;  it  qualifies  those  whc 
buy  and  sell  commodities.  Commercial  is  passive  in  its  ac- 
ceptation ;  it  has  reference  to  the  state  of  things  or  persons 
Mercantile  people  are  such  as  are  actually  engaged  in  busi- 
ness ;  commercial  people  are  those  who  understand  the  theorj 
and  practice  of  commerce.  The  English  are  a  commercial 
people  ;  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  London  are  mer- 
cantile men. 

Exercise. 

"  Of  the  talents  of  Bonaparte,  I  can  be  supposed  to  know  but 

little  ;  but  bred  in  camps,  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  his knowledg« 

can  be  very  great." 

"  Such  is  the  happiness,  the  hope  of  which  seduced  me  from  the  dutiet 
and  pleasures  of  a life." 

"  We  usually  find  that  a  certain  apathy  to  amusement,  perfectly  distinct 
from  mere  gravity  of  disposition,  is  the  characteristic  of nations." 

*'  Though  this  was  one  of  the  first  ■  transactions  of  my  life,  yet  1 

had  no  doubt  of  acquitting  myself  with  reputation." 

"  The world  is  very  frequently  put  into  confusion  by  the  bank<| 

niptcy  of  merchants." 

**  It  was  the  mornuig  of  Diomed's  banquet,  and  Diomed  himself,  thougl! 


OxV  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  165 

greatly  afFected  the  gentleman  and  the  scholar,  retained  enough  of  his 

experience,  to  know  that  a  master's  eye  makes  a  ready  servant." 

Let  him  travel,  and  fulfil  the  duties  of  the  military  or life  ;  let 

losperous  or  adverse  fortune  call  him  to  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  globe, 
11  let  him  carry  on  his  knowledge,  and  the  improvement  of  his  soul." 

"  One  circumstance  prevented —  intercourse  with  nations  from  ceas- 

ig  altogether." 


I  Owing — Due, 

OB  I  That  is  owing  which  is  to  be  referred  to  as  an  origin  or 
burce ;  that  is  due  which  ought  to  be  paid  as  a  debt.  Jus- 
ice  is  due  to  all  men.  It  was  owing  to  this  difficulty  that  the 
Ian  did  not  succeed.  In  the  first  of  these  examples,  justice 
5  qualified  as  due — i.  e.  to  be  paid  as  a  natural  right.  In  the 
3Cond,  the  difficulty  is  mentioned  as  the  origin  or  cause  of 
le  plan  not  succeeding. 

In  such  sentences  as  "  The  money  is  owing,"  "  It  was  due 
)  the  ignorance  of  the  scholars,"  &c.,  both  words  are,  uu- 

1k  loubtedly,  misapplied. 

iCount.  there  is  more  owing  her  than  is  paid. 

Airs  Well,  4-c.,  i.  3. 
Ege.  Turned  her  obedience,  which  is  due  to  me, 

To  stubborn  harshness. Mid.  N.  Dream,  1.  1. 

a  slave  inrolled 

Due  by  the  law  to  capital  punishment 

S.  A.,  1225 
Save  those  who  to  my  sorrows  lend 
Tears  due  unto  their  own. 

Wordsworth.    *  Lament  of  Mary  Queen  of  Scots.''] 

Exercise. 

"  There  is from  the  judge  to  the  advocate  some  commendation, 

Igjvhere  causes  are  well  handled  and  fairly  pleaded.    There  is  likewise • 

0  the  public  a  civil  reprehension  of  advocates,  where   there  appears  cun- 
tie  iiing,  gross  neglect,  or  slight  information." 

This  was to  an  indifference  to  the  pleasures  of  life,  and  an  aver- 

t  \\\on  to  the  pomps  of  it." 

There  is  a  respect  to  mankind  which  should  incline  even  the 

I  Jivisest  of  men  to  follow  innocent  customs." 

The  custom  of  particular  impeachments  was  not  limited  any  more  than 
ikf  that  of  struggles  between  nobles  and  commons ;  the  ruin  of  Greece  was 
to  the  former,  as  that  of  Rome  W£is  to  the  latter." 


"  Mirth  and  cheerfulness  are  but  the reward  of  an  innocent  life." 


166  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  If  we  estimate  things,  what  in  them  is to  nature,  and  what  i 

labour,  we  shall  find  in  most  of  them  ninety-nine  hundredths  to  be  on  th 
account  of  labour." 

Whatever  is to  you  shall  certainly  be  paid. 


Peaceable — Peaceful. 

Peaceful  qualifies  what  remains  at  peace,  oi  is  in  a  state  o 

peace  ;  peaceable  refers  to  an  inclination  to  peace.     Peacefi 

is  having  the  quality  of  peace  ;  peaceable  is  having  the  desir 

of  peace.     A  peaceful  valley ;   a  peaceable  disposition,     j 

cottage  is  not  peaceful  which  is  disturbed  by  the  brawls  of  it 

inmates ;  a  man  is  not  peaceable  who  is  continually  quarre' 

ling  with  his  acquaintances.     Peaceful  describes  a  passive 

peaceable,  an  active  quality. 

iDogb.  the  most  peaceable  way  for  you,  if  you  do  take  a  thief  is  to  let  him  she 
himself  what  he  is,  and  steal  out  of  your  company. 

Much  Ado,  «J-c.,  iii.  3. 
K.  John.  Unless  thou  let  his  silver  water  keep 
A  peaceful  progress  to  the  ocean.        King  John,  ii.  2. 

enslave 

Peaceable  nations P.  R.,  iii.  76. 

And  may  at  last  my  weary  age 
Find  out  the  peaceful  hermitag. 

Milton.    11  Pens.,  168. 

• trophies  high 

Of  more  than  martial  courage  in  the  breast 

Of  peaceful  civic  virtue 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  IAberty.*2  ■ 

Exercise. 

"  I  know  that  my disposition  already  gives  me  a  very  ill  figure  here 

"  Still  as  the walks  of  ancient  night, 

Silent  as  are  the  lamps  that  burn  in  tombs." 
"  The  balance  of  power  was  provided  for,  else  Peisistratus  could  nev< 

have  governed  so ly,  without  changing  any  of  Solon's  laws." 

"  Succeeding  monarchs  heard  the  subjects'  cries, 

Nor  saw  displeased  the cottage  rise." 

"  But  how  faint,  how  cold  is  the  sensation  which  a mind  can  r< 

ceive  from  solitary  study  I" 

"  The  reformation  in  England  was  introduced  in  a  —   -  -  manner,  l 
tlie  supreme  power  in  Parliament." 

"  As  one  disarmed,  his  anger  all  he  lost, 
And  thus  with words  upraised  her  soon." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  167 

The  young  king  thus  finding  himself  in possession  of  the  throne, 

flirected  his  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  those  arts  which  embellish  life 
and  refine  human  nature. 

"  In  this  retired  and spot  he  spent  the  remaining  days  of  his 

I  life" 


Poetic — Poetical, 
Poetic  is  the  active,  and  poetical  the  passive  term.  PoeHc 
I  qualifies  vi^hat  produces  poetry,  or  is  an  agent  in  producing 
it :  thus  we  have  poetic  rage,  poetic  frenzy,  &c.  Poetical 
qualifies  that  which  already  exists  as  an  object  of  our 
thought  or  contemplation :  thus  we  have  poetical  language,  a 
poetical  license,  &;c. 

iTouch.  Truly,  I  would  the  gods  had  made  thee  poetical. 

As  You  Like  It-,  iii.  3 
Yea,  what  were  mighty  Nature's  self? 

Her  features,  could  they  win  us 
Unhelped  by  the  poetic  voice 
That  hourly  speaks  within  us  ? 

Wordsworth.    *  Yarrow  Revisited.^2 

Exercise. 
language   is   distinguished   from  prose,  by  figure,  metre,   and 


harmony. 

Those  who  are  said  to  be  of  a —  temperament  are  generally  much 

more  nervous  and  easily  excited  than  others^ 

Milton  is  celebrated  not  only  for  his  compositions ;   he  was  a 

beautiful  prose  writer,  and  one  of  the  best  classical  scholars  of  his  age. 

Though  young  and  inexperienced  in  writing,  he  has  shewn  in  these  works 
considerable  harmony  and  smoothness  of  versification,  nor  are  they  wanting 
in power  in  many  passages. 

A reader  discovers,  without  any  efibrt,  a  thousand  beauties  which 

not  only  are  hidden  from  others,  but  which  no  power  of  explanation  can 
succeed  in  making  them  comprehend. 

"  Truth  of  every  kind  belongs  to  the  poet,  provided  it  can  bud  into  any 
kind  of  beauty,  or  is  capable  of  being  illustrated  and  impressed  by  the 
faculty." 

Pindar  is  characterized  by  his energy.     Horace  says  that  he 

rushes  along  roaring  and  foaming  like  a  mighty  river,  carrying  every  thing 
with  it  in  its  course. 


168  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Reasonable — Rational. 
One  who  exercises  reason  is  reasonable ;  one  who  possesses 
reason  is  rational.  The  former  is  the  active ;  the  latter,  the 
passive  quality.  Man  is  a  rational  animal — that  is,  he  is  en- 
dowed with  the  reasoning  faculty.  Reasonable  men  are  those 
who  make  use  of  their  reason.  The  brutes  are  irrational. 
Though  all  men  are  rational,  many  are  very  far  from  being 

reasonable. 

lAnne.  It  is  a  quarrel  just  and  reasonable 
To  be  revenged  on  him,  that  killed  my  husband. 

Richard  IIl.^  i.  3 

affecting  to  subdue 

Rational  liberty P.  i.,  xii.  82 

nor  Man, 

The  rational  creature,  left,  to  feel  the  weight 
Of  his  own  reason,  without  sense  or  thought 
Of  higher  reason  and  a  purer  will 
To  benefit  and  bliss,  through  mightier  power. 

*  The  Jffxcursion,^  iv.] 

Exercise. 

"  Human  nature  is  the  same  in  all creatures." 

"  As  that  which  has  a  fitness  to  promote  the  welfare  of  man,  considered 
as  a  sensitive  being,  is  styled  natural  good ;  so,  that  which  has  a  fitness  to 

promote  the  welfare  of  man  as  a ,  voluntary,  and  free  agent,  is 

styled  moral  good,  and  the  contrary  to  it,  moral  evil." 

*'  The  Parliament  was  dissolved,  and  gentlemen  furnished  with  such 
forces  as  were  held  sufficient  to  hold  in  bridle  either  the  malice  or  rage  of 
« people." 

"  The  evidence  which  is  afforded  for  a  future  state  is  sufficient  for  a 
ground  of  conduct." 

"  It  is  our  happiness  to  have  a nature,  that  is  endued  with  wis- 
dom and  reason." 

It  is  greatly  to  be  lamented  that beings  are  not  more . 

Chaucer  makes  Arcite  violent  in  his  love,  and  unjust  in  the  pursuit  of  it 
yet  when  he  came  to  die,  he  made  him  think  more ly. 

"  When  the  conclusion  is  deduced  from  the  unerring  dictates  of  our 
faculties,  we  say  the  inference  is ." 

"  To  act  in  direct  opposition  to  our  convictions  is ." 


Sociable — Social. 
Those  who  are  formed  for  society  are  social;  those  who 
are  in  active  intercourse  with  their  fellow-creatures  are  socia^ 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  169 

ble.  Man  is  a  social  animal ;  but  all  men  are  not  sociable. 
Social  refers  to  the  natural  quality  of  men  to  congregate  to- 
gether, and  live  in  society.  Sociable  refers  to  the  particular 
inclination  of  some  to  be  in  continual  intercourse  with  their 
friends  and  acquaintances. 

When  these  words  qualify  things,  (not  persons,)  the  same 
distinction  of  active  and  passive  holds  good  between  them. 
Social  is  that  which  relates  to  society.  Social  morality 
means  that  species  of  morality  which  affects  men  living  in 
society.  Sociable  is  that  which  promotes  intercourse  ;  hence 
the  word  has  been  used  substantively  to  designate  a  sort 
of  chair  or  carriage,  which  is  convenient  for  familiar  con- 
versation. 

C/mo.  Society  is  no  comfort 

To  one  not  sociable. Cymheline,  iv. 

Raphael,  the  sociable  spirit,  that  deigned 

To  travel  witli  Tobias,  and  secured 

His  marriage  with  the  seventimes- wedded  maid,  j 

P.  L.,  V.  5 
Best  with  thyself  accompanied,  seek'st  not 

Social  communication Id.,  viii.  429.^ 

Five  gravers,  and  only  five,  that  rise  together 

tFnsociably  sequestered,  and  encrojiching 

On  the  smooth  play-ground  of  the  \TSlage-school. 

'  The  ExcursioUf  \ 

Turn  to  private  life 

And  social  neighbourhood ;  look  we  to  ourselves : 

A  light  of  duty  shines  on  every  day 

For  all ,    Id.y  v.] 

Exercise. 

A  great  portion  of  our  happiness  in  this  world  arises  fronf  the  power  of 

that intercourse  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  communicate  our 

thoughts  and  feelings  to  others,  and  receive  theirs  in  exchange. 

Even  those  who  are  most ly  inclined  do  not  like  to  be  always  in 

the  midst  of  their  friends,  or  in  actual  intercourse  with  their  fellow- 
creatures  ;  for  all  sensible  men  must  require  some  time  for  study  and 
meditation. 

Man  appears  to  have  been  made  a being  in  order  that  he  might 

help  his  fellow-man,  and  assist  him  to  provide  against  those  dangers  which 
his  unaided  power  has  not  strength  to  resist. 

He  acquired  in  early  life  such  un habits,  that  he  never  could 

overcome  his  dislike  to  society,  where  he  always  both  looked  and  felt  ill  at 
ease. 

We  met  there  several  very  clever  and  amiable  men,  and  spent  a  most 

•J and  delightful  evening  with  them. 

15 


170  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Salutary — Saluhnous.  * 

Both  these  words  signify  improving  the  health.  Salutary, 
however,  is  not  so  immediate  in  its  effects  as  salubrious. 
This  latter  word  is  used  in  a  passive  sense  ;  it  signifies  hav- 
ing the  property  of  improving  health.  The  air  in  the  south  of 
France  is  equally  salubrious,  whether  we  reside  there  or  not. 
The  word  salutary  has  a  more  active  meaning ;  what  it 
qualifies  affects  us,  as  it  were,  of  its  own  accord.  For  this 
reason,  salubrious  is  more  frequently  used  in  a  proper  sense, 
whilst  salutary  is  generally  used  metaphorically.  Thus  we 
have  salubrious  air,  climate,  water,  &c.  ;  and  a  salutary 
doctrine,  influence,  practice,  &c. 

[ as  a  power 

Is  salutary,  or  an  influence  sweet  3 

Are  each  and  all  enabled  to  perceive  '  '1 

.  That  power,  that  influence,  by  impartial  law  ^ 

*  The  Excursion,'*  ix.] 

Exercise. 

**  If  that  fountain  (^the  heart)  be  once  poisoned,  you  can  never  expect 

that streams  will  flow  from  it." 

"  Be  that  as  it  may,  a reformation  was  wrought — the  muses 

were  brought  back  from  the  rattle  and  the  go-cart  to  lift  their  voices  as  of 
old  ;  and  the  isle  of  Britain,  east  and  west,  north  and  south,  broke  out  into 
one  voluntary  song." 

His  mode  of  life  was  now  entirely  changed ;  no  longer  pent  up  within 
the  narrow  streets  of  a  crowded  city,  or  the  hot  rooms  of  London  gaiety,  he 
rose  betimes,»enjoyed  the mountain  air  the  whole  day,  ate  temper- 
ately, and  retired  to  rest  at  an  early  hour. 

"  A  sense  of  tlie  Divine  presence  exerts  this influence  of  pro- 
moting temperance,  and  restraining  the  disorders  incident  to  a  prosperous 
state." 

Instruction   or   admonition  is  when   it  serves    the  purpose  of 

strengthening  good  principles,  and  awakening  a  sense  of  guilt  or  im- 
propriety. 

"  I  boast  no  song  in  magic  wonders  rife, 
But  yet,  O  Nature !  is  there  nought  to  prize 
Familiar  in  thy  bosom-scenes  of  life  ? 

And  dwells  in  daylight  truth's skies, 

J^p  form  with  which  the  soul  may  sympathize  ?" 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES,  171 


Sufficient — Enough . 
Enough  has  a  passive  meaning  ;  it  respects  self-enjoyment : 
sufficient  is  an  active  quality,  and  respects  the  necessaries  of 
life.  A  man  has  enough  who  has  no  longer  a  desire  ;  a  man 
has  sufficient  who  has  no  longer  a  want.  Some  men  never 
have  enough,  though  they  have  much  more  than  sufficient. 
The  measure  of  enough  is  the  satisfying  of  our  desires ;  the 
measure  of  sufficient  depends  on  what  is  to  be  done  with  it. 
We  may  have  enough  for  ourselves,  but  not  sufficient  to  pro- 
vide for  the  wants  of  others.  A  man  may  have  lived  long 
enough,  as  far  as  he  himself  is  concerned,  without  having  had 
sufficient  time  to  do  all  the  good  he  could  have  wished. 

[Cant.       a  wall  sufficient  to  defend 

Our  inland  from  the  pilfering  borderers. 

Henry  F.,  1.  2. 
K.  Hen.  If  we  are  marked  to  die,  we  are  enough 

To  do  our  country  loss Id.,  iv.  3. 

Sufficient  introduction  to  inform 

Thee,  of  thyself  so  apt,  in  regal  arts    P.  R.,  iii.  247. 

each  day's  lot 

Enough  to  bear P.  L.,  xi.  766. 

Deeming  the  evil  of  the  day 
Sufficient  for  the  wise. 

Wordsworth.    *  Our  Lady  of  the  Snow.* 
Yea,  veriest  reptiles  have  sufficed  to  prove 
To  fettered  wretchedness,  that  no  Bastile 
Is  deep  enough  to  exclude  the  light  of  love 
Though  man  for  brother  man  has  ceased  to  feel. 

'  Miscel.  Sonnets.'"} 

Exercise. 

During  the  whole  of  the  long  winter,  this  poor  family  were  in  the  greatest 

want ;  they  had  often  scarcely food  to  preserve  life,  and  suffered 

extremely  from  the  intense  cold  of  the  season. 

Many  who  have for  themselves  never  think  of  whether  others 

are ly  provided  for. 

The  dealer  told  me  that  twenty-nine  yards  of  that  silk  were  quite 

to  make  two  dresses. 

I  have  seen to  convince  me  that  the  affairs  of  the  house  are  very 

badly  managed 

As  soon  as  you  have  heard music,  we  will  adjourn  to  the  othei 

apartment. 

Without money,  I  shall  not  have  the  means  of  proceeding  on  my 

journey,  and  shall  be  obliged  to  remaui  at  Brussels,  until  I  procure  a  fresh 
eupply.- 


172  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

I  can  easily  procure for  my  own  wants  ;  but  to  provide  - 

for  the  maintenance  of  a  large  family  is  not  so  easy  a  matter. 


Sure — Certain. 
The  word  sure  is  used  actively ;  the  word  certain,  pas 
sively.  The  former  is  more  frequently  joined  with  a  verb ; 
the  latter,  with  a  participle.  What  is  to  be  done  may  be 
sure  ;  but  what  is  already  done  is  certain.  The  idiom  of  our 
language  will  not  allow  us  to  say  "  He  is  certain  to  do  some- 
thing ;"  but  we  may  say,  "He  is  sure  to  do  it."  We  are 
sure  of  what  we  are  convinced  will  happen  ;  we  are  certain 
of  what  we  are  satisfied  is  true.  We  are  riot  sure,  but  cer- 
tain,  of  our  existence  ;  we  cannot  be  certain,  but  may  be  sure, 
of  what  is  to  happen.  Certain  has  to  do  with  our  reason ; 
sure  has  to  do  with  our  feelings. 

[Edg.  Not  sure,  though  hoping,  of  this  good  success. 

Lear,  v.  3. 
at.  Therefore,  'tis  certain,  he  was  not  ambitious. 

Jul.  Ccesar,  iii.  2. 

what  shall  befall 

Him  or  his  children  ;  evil  he  may  be  sure 
Which  neither  his  foreknowing  can  prevent, 

P.  L.,  xi.  772. 

that  honour 

Certain  to  have  won  by  mortal  duel  from  thee 

S.  A.,  1102.] 

Exercise. 

"  If  you  find  nothing  new  in  the  matter,  I  am much  less  will 

you  in  the  style." 

"  Those  things  are among  men,  which  cannot  be  denied  without 

obstinacy  and  folly." 

" ly,  it  will  be  owned,  that  a  wise  man,  who  takes  upon  him  to  bo 

vigilant  for  the  public  weal,  should  touch  proper  things  at  proper  times,  and 
not  prescribe  for  a  surfeit,  when  the  distemper  is  a  consumption." 

" er  to  prosper  than  prosperity 

Could  have  assured  us." 

"  It  is  very that  a  man  of  sound  reason  cannot  forbear  closing 

with  religion  upon  an  impartial  examination  of  it." 

"  Be  silent  always  when  you  doubt  your  sense, 

And  speak,  though ,  with  seeming  diffidence." 

"  What  precise  collection  of  simple  ideas  modesty  or  frugality  stands  for 
in  another's  use,  is  not ly  known." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  173 


"  The  youngest  in  the  morning  are  not  ■ 


That  till  the  night  their  hfe  they  can  secure." 

"  When  these  everlasting  doors  are  thrown  open,  we  may  be that 

the  pleasures  and  beauties  of  this  place  will  infinitely  transcend  our  present 
hopes  and  expectations." 


Thankful —  Grateful, 
Gratitude  is  rather  the  feeling,  and  thankfulness  the  expres- 
sion of  the  feeling.  We  may  look  grateful,  but  we  speak  our 
thanks.  Thankfulness  is  uttered  ;  gratitude  is  sometimes  too 
deep  for  utterance.  Gratitude  is  on  the  alert  to  make  a  return 
for  kindness ;  thankfulness  publishes  a  kindness.  Gratitude 
is  silent,  though  lasting  ;  thankfulness  is  temporary,  and  is  the 
expression  of  our  gratitude. 

{Buck.  Sir 

I  am  thankful  to  you Henry  VIII.,  i.  1. 

King.  I  cannot  give  thee  less,  to  be  called  grateful 
AWs  Well,  ii.  1. 
And  understood  not  that  a  grateful  mind 
By  owing  owes  not,  but  still  pays,  at  once 

Indebted  and  discharged P.  Z«.,  iv.  55. 

were  humbly  thankful  for  the  good 

Which  the  warm  sun  solicited,  and  earth 

Bestowed *  The  Excursion,  iv. 

He,  whose  soul 

Ponders  this  true  equality,  may  walk 
The  fields  of  earth  with  gratitude  and  hope 

Id.,  ix.] 

Exercise, 

"  The  young  girl  made  me  a  more  humble  courtesy  than  a  low  one ; 

'twas  one  of   those  quiet, sinkings,  where  the  spirit  bows  itself 

down ;  the  body  does  no  more  than  tell  it." 

"  After  we  had  saluted  each  other  with  proper  ceremony,  we  all  bent  in 
to  that  Being  who  gave  us  another  day." 

"  He  scarcely  would  give  me  thanks  for  what  I  had  done,  for  fear  that 
•  might  have  an  introduction  of  reward." 


"  The  release  of  pain  is  the  excess  of  transport.     With  what we 

feel  the  first  return  of  health — the  first  budding  forth  of  the  new  spring 
that  has  dawned  within  us  I" 

"  In  favor,  to  use  men  with  much  difference  is  good  ;  for  it  makes  the 

person  preferred  more ,  and  the  rest  more  officious." 

"  A mind 

By  owing,  owes  not,  but  still  pays,  at  once 
Indebted  and  discharged." 
15* 


174  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


"  He  retired,  overpowered  with   his  own ,  and  his  benefactor's 

respectful  compassion.'* 


Vacant — Empty, 
That  which  has  nothing  in  it  is  empty.  That  which  re- 
quires something  in  it  is  vacant.  Empty  is  a  natural,  vacant, 
a  circumstantial  quality.  A  space  is  purposely-  left  vacant 
which  is  intended  to  be  filled  up  ;  a  space  is  empty  which  is 
merely  not  filled  up.  If  we  rise  from  our  chair,  the  seat  is 
empty  ;  if  we  do  not  intend  to  return  to  it,  the  seat  is  vacant. 
A  seat  in  Parliament  becomes  vacant  by  the  death  of  a  mem- 
ber. A  vacant  hour  wants  filling  up  ;  an  empty  title  has 
nothing  solid  in  it. 

iConst.  Stuffs  out  his  vacant  garments  with  his  form 
King  John,  iii.  4. 
Ant.  When  my  good  stars,  that  were  my  former  guides 

Have  empty  left  their  orbs Ant.  and  Cleop.,  v.  11 

silent  as  the  moon 

When  she  deserts  the  night, 

Hid  in  her  vacant  interlunar  cave  S.  A.,  89. 

Or  in  the  emptier  waste,  resembling  air 

Weighs  his  spread  wings P.  L.,  ii.  1045. 

and  clear  and  bright 

And  vacant  doth  the  region  which  they  thronged 

Appear : Wordsworth.    '  To  the  Clouds.^ 

Lo  !  in  such  neighbourhood,  from  morn  to  eve 

The  habitation's  empty  I *  The  Excursion,^  viii.] 

Exercise, 

"  Why  should  the  air  so  impetuously  rush  into  the  cavity  of  the  receiver, 

if  there  were  before  no room  to  receive  it  ?" 

"  I  did  never  know  so  full  a  voice  issue  from  so a  heart ;  but  the 

saying  is  true,  the vessel  makes  the  greatest  sound." 

"  Others,  when  they  admitted  that  the  throne  was ,  thought  the 

succession  should  immediately  go  to  the  next  heir." 

"  When  you  speak,  he  listens  with  a eye ;  when  you  walk,  he 

watches  you  with  a  curled  lip  ;  if  he  dines  with  you,  he  sends  away  your 
best  hock  with  a  wry  face." 

"  Cold  is  the  hearth  within  their  bowers, 
And  should  we  thither  roam  ; 

Its  echoes  and  its tread 

Would  sound  like  voices  from  the  dead  " 
"  The  watch-dog's  voice  that  bayed  the  whispering  wind, 
And  tho  loud  laugh  that  spoke  the mind." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  175 

**  If  you  have  two  vessels  to  fill,  and  you one  to  fill  the  other, 

you  gain  nothing  by  that ;  there  still  remains  one  vessel ." 

"  The  pit  was ;  there  was  no  water  in  it.** 

"  The  memory  relieves  the  mind  in  her moments,  and  prevents 

any  chasms  of  thought,  by  ideas  of  what  is  past." 


Warlike — Martial. 
Mizr^mZ  qualifies  the  external  appearance,  and  is  used  passive- 
ly ;  warlike  qualifies  the  spirit,  and  is  active  in  its  meaning.  A 
martial  appearance  has  reference  to  the  "  pomp  and  circum- 
stance'' of  war  ;  a  warlike  appearance,  to  the  expression  and 
attitude  of  warriors.  A  man  who  breathes  a  spirit  of  hostility- 
has  a  warlike  appearance ;  a  man  in  armour,  or  in  military 
uniform,  has  a  martial  appearance. 

[Cym.  which  to  shake  off. 

Becomes  a  warlike  people Cymbcliney  iii.  1. 

Ros.  We'll  have  a  swashing  and  a  martial  outside. 

As  You  Like  Ityi.Z 

At  his  approach 

The  great  archangel  from  his  warlike  toil 

Surceased P.  Z,.,  vi.  257 

Sonorous  metals  blowing  martial  sounds.        Id^  i.  540, 


-  urgent  to  equip 


Thy  warlike  person  with  the  staff  and  scrip 

Wordsworth.    *  Eccks.  SonneU. 


-  fixing  hope  and  aim 


On  the  humanities  of  peaceful  fame, 
Enter  betimes  with  more  than  martial  fire 
The  generous  course,  aspire  and  still  aspire. 

*  Liberty. ^2 

Exercise. 

**  But  different  far  the  change  has  been 
Since  Marmion,  from  the  crown 

Of  Blackford,  saw  that scene 

Upon  the  bent  so  brown." 
*'  Gifts  worthy  of  soldiers  ;    the steed,   the  bloody  and  ever- 
victorious  lance,  were  the  rewards  which  the  champions  claimed  from  the 
liberality  of  their  chief." 

**  But  when  our  country's  cause  provokes  to  arms. 

How music  every  bosom  warms." 

**  Last  from  the  Volscians  fair  Camilla  came, 

And  led  her troops,  a  warrior  dame." 

**  Let  his  neck  answer  for  it,  if  there  is  any law  in  the  world" 


176  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

"  When  a state  grows  soft  and  effeminate,  they  may  be  sure  of  a 

war." 

"  They  proceeded  in  a  kind  of justice  with  enemies,  offering  them 

their  law  before  they  drew  their  sword." 

"  She,  using  so  strange  and  yet  so  well-succeeding  a  temper,  made  hei 

people  by  peace  ." 

"  The genius  of  Napoleon  at  length  wearied  even  the  '  ai" 

dour  of  his  soldiers." 

*'  Old  Siward,  with  ten  thousand men, 

All  ready  at  a  point,  was  setting  forth." 
"See 

His  thousands,  in  what equipage 

They  issue  forth !" 


Unavoidable — Inevitable. 
These  two  words,  though  approximating  very  closely  in 
signification,  do  not  convey  exactly  the  same  meaning.  The 
distinction  between  them  depends  on  the  active  or  passive 
sense  of  the  words  which  they  qualify.  Inevitable  respects 
some  fixed  law  of  nature  over  which  no  human  power  can 
prevail ;  whereas  unavoidable  qualifies  some  measure  or  step 
which  we  cannot  help  taking.  That  is  unavoidable  which 
circumstances  will  not  allow  us  to  escape  from  doing ;  that  is 
inevitable  which  our  condition,  as  human  beings,  will  not  al- 
low us  to  escape  from  suffering.  Death,  fate,  and  ruin,  are 
represented  as  inevitable  ;  a  bankruptcy  or  a  marriage  may  be 
unavoidable. 

iCor.  'Tis  fond  to  wail  inevitable  strokes 
As  'tis  to  laugh  at  them. Coriolanus^  iv.  2. 

since  fate  inevit^Ie  -/'w-  'V*  «^    ^'^'  ^'^  ' 

Subdues  us,  and  omnipotent  decree  J  An^       P.  L.j  n.  197. 

Why  with  such  earnest  pains  dost  thou  provoke 
The  years  to  bring  the  inevitable  yoke, 
Thus  blindly  with  thy  blessedness  at  strife ! 

Wordsworth.    *  Ode  on  Intimations^''  4-C.3 

Exercise. 

His  affairs  were  so  deeply  involved,  that  an  exposure  was  become  ' 

The consequences  of  extravagance  are  ruin  and  misery. 

In  consequence  of  the  non-arrival  of  the  packet,  we  were delayed 

at  the  custom-house. 


ON   e\(;lisii    svnonvmes.  J.  77 

Had  not  the  storm  abated,  we  should  have  been shipwrecked. 

Oppression  on  one  side,  and  ambition  on  the  other,  are  the occa- 
sions of  war. 

The  evils  to  which  every  man  is  daily  exposed  are . 

This  step  was ,  as  without  it,  our  ruin  was . 

"  If  our  sense  of  hearing  were  exalted,  we  should  have  no  quiet  or  sleep 

in  the  most  silent  night,  and  we  must ly  be  struck  deaf,  or  dead,  with 

a  clap  of  thunder." 

"  The  day  thou  eat'st  thereof,  my  sole  command 
Transgrest, ly  thou  shalt  die." 

Single  acts  of  transgression  will,  through   weakness    and  surprise,  be 
to  the  best  guarded. 


SECTION  III. 

SYNONYMES    OF    INTENSITY. 


In  examining  the  explanations  in  this  section,  it  will  be 
found  that  they  are  all  based  upon  one  leading  principle,  viz. 
intensity— ihTit  is,  the  difference  between  the  one  and  the  other 
word  will  be,  that  the  second  expresses  a  more  intensive  de- 
gree of  the  first.  Here  again,  the  student  must  be  cautioned 
against  confounding  this  principle  with  grammatical  compari- 
son. In  grammar,  the  comparative  is  a  more  intensive  form 
of  the  same  word,  (the  adjective,)  and  is  confined  to  one  class 
of  words  ;  but  here,  the  second  word  is  wholly  unlike  the  firsc 
in  form,  though  it  expresses  a  more  intensive  degree  in  signi- 
fication. We  may  refer  to  this  principle  the  difference  be 
tween  the  two  verbs  to  hear  and  to  listen.  To  hear  is  a  simple 
act,  to  listen  is  an  intensive  act.  We  cannot  help  hearing,  but 
we  listen  with  intention.  The  same  may  be  said  of  to  see  and 
to  look.  It  costs  us  no  effort  of  the  sense,  to  see — it  is  but 
"  opening  the  eye,  and  the  scene  enters  ;"  but  in  looking,  there 
is  an  effort,  a  desire,  an  act,  in  fine,  of  the  mind  as  well  as  of 
the  eye,  which  is  not  found  in  the  former  word.  This  princi- 
ple operates  to  a  great  extent  in  language,  and  a  very  great 
number  of  differences  are  to  be  explained  by  its  application. 
Whenever  we  find  a  difference  of  this  sort  between  two  terms, 
they  may  be  ranged  under  the  head  of  "  Synonymes  of  In* 
tensity, ^^ 


178  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


Act — Action. 
An  act  is  the  simple  exertion  of  physical  or  mental  power. 
An  action  is  a  continued  exertion  of  the  faculties.  An  action 
takes  up  more  time  than  an  act.  Many  acts  make  up  an  ac- 
tion. We  set  about  doing  a  kind  action,  viz.  to  reconcile  two 
friends.  Many  acts  are  requisite  to  effect  this  purpose  :  e.g., 
the  act  of  speaking  to  both  parties  ;  the  act  of  walking,  per- 
haps, from  one  to  the  other,  &;c.  There  is  this  difference 
between  an  act  of  folly  and  a  foolish  action :  an  act  of  folly  is 
one  in  which  folly  is  represented  as  the  impulse ;  a  foolish 
action  is  one  which  is  qualified  or  specified  as  such  when 
done.  The  degree  of  our  merit  depends  upon  our  actions,  not 
upon  our  acts.     Acts  are  single  ;  actions  habitual. 

iLod.  This  heavy  act  with  heavy  heart  relate    Othello,  v.  2. 

L.  Macd.       When  our  actions  do  not, 

Our  fears  do  make  us  traitors. Macbeth,  iv.  2. 

This  day  will  be  remarkable  in  my  life 

By  some  great  act S.  A.,  1388. 

High  actions  and  high  passions  best  describing    P.  R.,  iv.  266. 
Resting  upon  his  arms  each  warrior  stood, 
Checked  in  the  very  act  and  deed  of  blood. 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  Liberty.* 


Enjoins,  while  firm  resolves  await 

On  wishes  just  and  wise, 
That  strenuous  action  follow  both, 
And  life  be  one  perpetual  growth 

Of  heaven- ward  enterprise.  *  The  Wishing-Gate  Destroyed.^} 

Exercise, 

He  had  raised  his  hand,  and  was  in  the of  striking  the  prince, 

when  a  foot-soldier,  perceiving  his  purpose,  rushed  in  between  the  combat- 
ants, and  received  the  blow  upon  his  arm. 

For  this  brave he  was  handsomely  rewarded  by  his  commander, 

and  immediately  promoted  to  the  rank  of  a  sergeant. 

Many  persons  judge  wrongly  of  their  neighbours,  from  not  sufficiently 
considering  the  motives  of  tlieir . 

He  was  in  the of  shaking  hands  with  a  neighbour,  when  he  was 

suddenly  seized  with  a  fit,  and  fell  back  senseless  into  an  arm-chair. 

Our are  generally  caused  by  instinct  or  impulse  ;  are  more 

frequently  tli=e  result  of  thought  or  deliberation. 

"  Many  of  those which  are  apt  to  procure  fame  are  not  in  their 

nature  conducive  to  ultimate  happiness." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYBIES.  179 

^  I  desire  that  the  same  rule  may  be  extended  to  the  whole  fraternity  of 
£he  heathen  gods ;  it  being  my  design  to  condemn  every  poem  to  the  flames, 

in  which  Jupiter  thunders  or  exercises  any  — of  authority  which  does 

not  belong  to  hiin." 


Angwish — -Agony, 
A  struggling  against  pain  is  the  idea  common  to  both  these 
words.  Agony  denotes  the  bodily  feelings  whilst  anguish  re- 
gards the  state  of  mind.  The  throbbing  of  a  wound  produces 
agony  ;  a  mother  feels  anguish  at  the  idea  of  being  separated 
from  her  child.  The  word  agony  is  used  in  a  secondary  sense 
to  express  the  climax  of  any  state  of  feeling,  as  found  in  the 
expressions,  "  an  agony  of  doubt,  an  agony  of  suspense,"  &c. 
— i,  e,  the  highest  possible  state  of  painful  doubt  or  suspense. 
The  agonies  of  death  ;  the  anguish  of  despair. 

\Phy.  — -  many  simples  operative^  whose  power 
Will  close  the  eye  of  anguish.  -Ktw^r  Lear^  iv.  4. 

1  Gent.  he  was  stirred 

With  such  an  agony,  he  sweat  extremely  Hewry  VIII.j  ii.  2 

The  anguish  of  my  soul^  that  suffers  not 

Mine  eye  to  harbour  steep,  or  thoughts  to  rest.     S.  A.j  458. 

ghastly  spasm,  or  racking  torture,  qualms 

Of  heart-sick  agony P.  L.,id.  482. 

through  weight 

Of  anguish  unrelieved,  and  lack  of  power 

An  agonizing  sorrow  to  transmute  *  The  Ezcursiotif*  iv.] 

Exercise. 

'*  The  sun  had  now  gone  down — another  day  had  passed  without  bringing 
us  relief — several  of  the  party  had  begun  to  suffer  dreadfully  from  intense 
thirst,  and  two  were  in  the of  death." 

The  — — *-  of  the  father  when  h'©  heard  of  the  fate  of  his  wretched  child 
is  to  be  imagined  rather  than  described  ;  he  fainted  immediately  on  receivmg 
Ihe  news,  and  it  was  a  long  time  before  he  recovered  his  senses. 

They  had  persecutors,  whose  invention  was  as  great  as  their  cruelty. 
Wit  and  malice  conspire  to  find  out  such  deaths,  and  those  of  such  incredi- 
ble — — — ,  that  only  the  manner  of  dying  was  the  punishment,  death  itself 
the  deliverance. 

The  thoughts  not  only  of  what  h©  himself  was  about  to  suffer,  but  also  of 
the  forlorn  condition  of  his  wife  and  family  in  the  event  of  his  death,  filled' 
his  mind  with and  despair. 

He  suffered  such from  the  wound  in  his  leg,  that  he  could  prc- 

ceed  no  further  on  his  journey. 


180  PRACTICAL    EXERC2SE& 

"  There  is  a  word  in  the  vocabulary  more  bitter,  more  direful  in  its  im- 
port, than  all  the  rest.  Reader,  if  poverty,  if  disgrace,  if  bodily  pain  be  you? 
unhappy  fate,  kneel  and  bless  Heaven  for  its  beneficent  influence,  so  that 
you  are  not  tortured  with  the of  remorse." 


Artisan — Artist. 
The  word  artisan  signifies  one  who  exercises  a  mechanical 
art :  the  word  artist  is  properly  applied  only  to  those  who 
practise  the  fine  arts.  Carpenters,  masons,  and  shoemakers, 
are  artisans  ;  poets,  musicians,  and  sculptors,  are  artists.  The 
artisan  works  by  rule,  and  uses  his  hands  ;  the  artist's  occu- 
pation requires  the  exercise  of  a  refined  intellect  and  lively 
imagination.  We  shall  thus  easily  distinguish  the  sign-paint- 
er from  the  historical  painter.  In  an  intellectual  scale,  the 
artisan  ranks  above  the  labourer,  but  below  the  artist.  Inge- 
nuity and  contrivance  are  the  qualities  of  a  good  artisan  ;  cre- 
ative power  and  refined  taste  are  requisite  for  a  great  artist. 

lAgam.  The  wise  and  fool,  the  artist  and  unread 

Troil.  and  Cress.,  i.  3. 

like  the  moon,  whose  orb 

Through  optic  glass  the  Tuscan  artist  views 

At  evening,  from  the  top  of  Fesol6.  P  L.,  i.  288. 

shoals  of  artisans 

From  ill-requited  labour  turned  adrift  •  The  Excursion.^  i 

Might  some  aspiring  artist  dare 

To  seize  whate'er,  through  misty  air 

A  ghost  by  glimpses  may  present 

Of  imitable  lineament.  Jd.,  p.  233.] 

Exercise. 

**  This  poor  woman's  husband,  who  was  an  ingenious ,  had  come 

up  to  London  in  hopes  of  finding  employment ;  but  having  failed  in  his  at- 
tempt, had  set  off  to  return  to  Scotland,  and  was  on  his  way  back  when  I 
fell  in  with  him." 

Dannecker,  the  sculptor,  one  of  the  most  celebrated  modem (^f 

Germany,  was  born  at  Stuttgard,  October  the  15th,  1758.  Two  of  his 
works,  viz.  "  Mourning  Friendship,"  and  the  "  Ariadne  reclining  on  a  Leop- 
ard," are  distinguished  for  beauty  and  expression. 

The  close  and  densely -populated  parts  of  London  are  inhabited  chiefly  by 

labourers,  journeymen,  and ,  whose  health  is  undoubtedly  as  much 

impaired  by  the  situations  in  which  tliey  are  obliged  to  reside,  as  by  the  cir- 
cumstances which  force  them  to  work  so  hard  for  their  daily  bread. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  181 

Haydn,  Mozart,  and  Beethoven,  were  the  greatest  musical  the 

world  ever  produced. 

"  If  ever  this  country  saw  an  age  of s,  it  is  the  present ;  her 

painters,  sculptors,  and  engravers,  are  now  the  only  schools  properly  so 
called." 

"  The  merchant,  tradesman,  and  ,  will  have  their  profit  upon  all 

the  multiplied  wants,  comforts,  and  indulgences  of  civilized  life." 


Compunction — Remorse. 
These  words  express  degrees  of  repentance.  Remorse  is 
an  intensive  compunction.  Compunction  signifies  a  pricking 
of  the  conscience.  Remorse  denotes  a  gnashing  or  biting. 
The  former  is  expressive  of  the  sorrow  caused  by  minor  of- 
fences ;  the  latter  conveys  an  idea  of  the  excessive  pain  the 
soul  feek  at  the  sense  of  its  crimes,  and  is  analogous  to  the 
feeling  of  bodily  pain  expressed  by  grinding  or  gnashing  the 
teeth.  Compunction  is  felt  for  sin  ;  remorse  for  enormous 
crimes.  A  miser  may  feel  compunction  for  his  injustice  ;  a 
murderer  is  agitated  by  remorse. 

iLady  M.  Stop  up  the  access  and  passage  to  remorse  ; 
That  no  compunctious  visitings  of  nature 

Shake  my  fell  purpose Macbeth,  i.  5 

(So  farewell,  hope  ;  and  with  hope,  farewell,  fear^j. 

Farewell,  remorse  : P.  I»./iv.  109. 

^To  feed  remorse,  to  welcome  every  sting 
Of  penitential  anguish,  yea,  with  tears. 

Wordsworth.    *  T^e  Borderers.^] 

Exercise.  j 

All  his  peace  of  mind  was  now  destroyed  by  the he  felt  for  the 

crimes  of  his  early  life ;  the  images  of  his  victims  haunted  him  in  hia 
dreams,  and  in  his  waking  hours  he  looked  upon  every  stranger  as  an  as- 
sassin. 

**  Stop  up  th'  access  and  passage  to 

That  no visitings  of  conscience 

Shake  my  fell  purpose." 
This  outcast  of  society  pursued  his  wicked  machinations  without  cessa- 
tion ;  he  felt  no for  the  injustice  he  was  practising  on  the  desolate 

widow  and  helpless  orphan  ;  all  fell  alike  into  his  meshes,  and  as  long  as  his 
coffers  were  filled,  it  signified  nothing  to  him  that  it  was  at  the  expense  of 
the  sighs  and  tears  of  thousands. 

He  began  at  length  to  feel  some for  the  harshness  with  which  he 

16 


182  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

had  treated  his  brother,  and  wrote  him  an  affectionate  letter,  in  which  h ) 
begged  his  forgiveness,  and  entreated  that  they  should  renew  their  forme, 
harmony. 

"  All  men,  even  the  most  depraved,  are  subject,  more  or  less,  to s 

of  conscience." 

«  The  heart 

Pierced  with  a  sharp  — for  guilt,  disclaims 

The  costly  poverty  of  hecatombs. 
And  offers  the  best  sacrifice,  itself." 


Diligence — Industry, 
Diligence  signifies  the  attention  we  pay  to  any  particular 
object,  because  we  prefer  it  to  others.  Industry  is  the 
quality  of  laying  up  for  ourselves  a  store,  either  of  knowledge 
or  worldly  goods.  Diligence  produces  industry :  it  is  applied 
to  one  object ;  industry,  to  many.  To  collect  accurate  infor- 
mation, evidence,  &c.,  from  various  sources,  we  must  be  in- 
dustrious. To  become  well-informed  upon  one  subject,  we 
must  be  diligent.  The  quality  of  diligence  is  not  applied  to 
animals.  The  bee  and  ant,  however,  are  said  to  be  in- 
dustrious, because  their  instinct  prompts  them  to  lay  up  a 
store. 

iLord.  There  wants  no  diligence  in  seeking  him, 

Cyrnbeline,  iv.  3. 

Bel.  The  sweat  of  industry  would  dry,  and  die, 

But  for  the  end  it  works  to. Id.,  iii.  6. 

redoubled  love  and  care 

With  musing  diligence S.  A.,  924. 

where  thou  heard'st  the  billows  beat 

On  a  wild  coast,  rough  monitors  to  feed 

Perpetual  industry.    Sublime  Recluse  • 

The  recreant  soul,  that  dares  to  shun  the  debt 

Imposed  on  human  kind,  must  first  forget 

Thy  diligence,  thy  unrelaxing  use 

Of  a  long  life Wordsworth.    '  Eccles  Sonnets.*} 

Exercise, 

He  was  so ,  that  before  he  was  twelve  years  old,  he  was  much 

better  informed  on  all  subjects  than  most  boys  of  his  age. 

My  cousin  studied  with  such ,  that  he  soon  made  himself  master 

of  the  language. 

H«  immediately  applied  himself  with  great      ■  '■    •  to  every  department 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  183 

f  knowledge  \^hich  was  connected,  however  remotely,  with  the  duties  of 
js  office. 

Without 7-,  it  is  impossible  to  make  a  satisfactory  progress  in  any 

ranch  of  learning. 

is  a  striking  characteristic  of   all  classes  of  the  population  in 

China. 

Distress  and  difficulty  are  known  to  operate  in  private  life  as  the  spurs 

t^ . 

If  you  inquire  not   attentively  and ly,  you  will  never  be  able  to 

Gsceni  a  number  of  mechanical  motions. 

"  It  has  been  observed  by  writers  on  morality,  that,  in  order  to  quicken 

luman ,  Providence  has  so  contrived  that  our  daily  food  is  not  to  be 

procured  without  much  pains  and  labour." 


Discernment — Penetration. 

I    By  discernment  we  obtain  a  knowledge  of  the  real  worth  of 

persons  or  things.     By  penetration  we  discover  the  existence 

tf  what  is  concealed.  Discernment  is  the  quality  of  a  clear, 
ensible  understanding ;  penetration,  of  an  acute  intellect. 
V"e  exercise  discernment  in  forming  a  just  estimate  of 
character  ;  we  exercise  penetration  in  discovering  the  plots  of 
the  designing. 

Exercise. 
He  struggled  long  and  hard  against  the  difficulties  of  fortune,  and  had  it 

not  been  for  the of  a  casual  acquaintance,  who  saw  his  merit,  and 

introduced  him  to  public  patronage,  he  would  probably  have  languished,  and 
died  in  obscurity. 

There  were  now  as  many  as  four  deeply- laid  plots  against  his  life,  and 

without  his  amazing  ,  which  discovered  and  frustrated  all  these 

designs,  he  must  have  soon  fallen  a  victim  to  one  or  the  other  of  them. 

It  is  the  property  of  a mind  to  discover  hidden  truths,  and  expose 

perversions.     A judgment  is  perhaps  more  practically  useful  than 

,  as  it  is  more  frequently  required  in  the  common  affairs  of  life. 

"  He  is  as  slow  to   decide  as  he  is  quick  to   apprehend,   calmly  and 
deliberately  weighing  every  opposite  reason  that  is  offered,  and  tracing  it 

with  a  most  judicious ." 

Of  these  two  qualities, argues  a  higher  power  of  intellect  than 

The  latter  is  indispensable  to  every  station  in  life,  but  the  former 


is  more  necessary  for  those  who  are  placed  in  high  offices,  and  to  whom  the 
destinies  of  men  are  intrusted. 

*'  Cool  age  advances  venerably  wise, 
Turns  on  all  hands  its  deep, eves." 


184  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Intention — Purpose, 
An  intention  is  a  leaning  towards  an  action.  A  purpose  is 
that  which  is  laid  down  or  proposed  to  be  done.  Intentions 
are  more  remote ;  purposes,  more  immediate.  What  we 
purpose  to  do,  we  set  about  at  once  ;  what  we  intend  to  do, 
circumstances  may  oblige  us  to  delay.  Purposes  are  generally 
executed,  intentions  may  be  postponed.  An  intention  is 
weaker  than  a  purpose. 

iBast.  This  sway  of  motion,  this  commodity 
i:"  Makes  it  take  head  from  all  indifferency, 

From  all  direction,  purpose,  course,  intent.        King  John,  li.  2 

vvhence  Gaza  mourns 

And  all  that  band  them  to  resist 

His  uncontroulable  intent.  S.  A.,  1754 

were  not  his  purpose 

To  use  him  farther  yet  in  some  great  service.     Id.,  1498. 

to  consummate  this  just  intent, 

Did  place  upon  his  brother's  head  the  crown 

Relinquished  by  his  own.        Wordsworth.  '  Artegal  and  Elidure.\ 

there  tried  his  spirit's  strength 

And  grasp  of  purpose,  long  ere  sailed  his  ship 

To  lay  a  new  world  open <  Tour  in  Italy. '''[ 

Exercise. 


He  determined  to  set  out  immediately  for  Paris ;  and  with  this  - 


nade  alfl 


proceeded  without  delay  to  the  office  to  procure  his  passport,  and  made 
the  necessary  preparations  for  his  journey. 

As  soon  as  you  have  settled  upon  what  course  you  will  pursue,  you  will 
let  me  know  your ,  as  my  movements  will  depend  in  a  great  meas- 
ure upon  your  determination. 

If  you  pay  no  attention  to  the  subject  you  are  reading,  you  will  read,  as 
many  do,  to  no . 

My at  present  is  to  spend  next  winter  at  Naples,  and  to  return  to 

England  in  the  following  spring. 

After  spending  this  evening  with  some  friends,  I  starting  to- 
morrow for  Lausanne,  where  I  hope  to  arrive  on  the  13th. 

His  character  was  not  remarkable  for  finnness,  and  though  every  ono 

gave  him  credit  for  the  best ,  no  class  of  people  ever  received  much 

benefit  from  his  measures. 

The of  my  inquiry  is  to  discover  the  real  character  of  this  man, 

that  I  may  ascertain  whether  ho  is  a  fit  candidate  for  the  office. 

"  I  wish  others  the  same ,  and  greater  success." 

**  The  common  material  with  which  the  ancients  made  their  ships  was 
the  omus  or  wild-ash  ;  the  fir  was  likewise  used  for  this ." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  185 


Moment — Instant. 
An  instant  is  the  smallest  conceivable  point  of  time.  A 
moment  may  be  said  to  be  one  degree  longer  than  an  instant. 
An  instant  is,  etymologically,  the  point  of  time  which  stands 
over  an  act,  or  which  exists  simultaneously  with  it.  A  mo 
ment  is  a  moving  (however  small)  of  time.  We  can  conceiv. 
of  a  beginning  and  an  end  to  a  moment.  The  parts  of  an 
instant  are  inconceivable.  Strictly  speaking,  both  terms  are 
hyperbolical,  though  they  are  both  commonly  used  to  denote 
a  very  small  space  of  time.  Properly,  however,  the  instant 
is  the  point,  and  moment  the  duration  of  time. 

[Macb.  Who  can  be  wise,  amazed,  temperate  and  furious, 
Loyal  and  neutral  in  a  moment  1 Macbeth,  ii.  3. 

Pand.  Before  the  curing  of  a  strong  disease. 
Even  in  the  instant  of  repair  and  health, 

The  fit  is  strongest. King  John,  iii.  4. 

All  in  a  moment  through  the  gloom  were  seen 
Ten  thousand  banners  rise  into  the  air 

With  orient  colours  waving P.  L.,  i.  544. 

sleep,  which  instantly  fell  on  me Id.,  viii.  458. 

Not  for  a  moment  could  I  now  behold 
A  smiling  sea,  and  be  what  I  have  been : 

Wordsworth.    ^Elegiac  Stanzas.'' \ 

Exercise. 

The  touch-paper  being  applied  to  the  train,  the  spark  communicated  in 
an to  the  powder,  and  a  few  seconds  after,  the  whole  rock  fell  crash- 
ing to  the  ground. 

The the  horseman  saw  the  mischief  he  had  done,  he  was  off  his 

horse,  and  assisting  the  poor  woman  to  rise,  he  led  her  into  a  cottage  by  the 
road-side,  where  he  saw  that  she  was  properly  attended  to  before  he  proceed- 
ed on  his  journey. 

The  Arab,  foaming  with  rage,  grappled  with  his  opponent,  and  in  an 
plunging  his  dagger  into  his  heart,  struck  him  to  the  ground. 

I  watched  the  vessel  from  the  summit  of  the  cliff  depart  from  that  shore 
to  which  she  was  never  again  to  return.     Her  shadow  now  grew  more  and 

more  dim  upon  the  waters  ;  for  a  few I  lost  sight  of  her  altogether — 

then  I  saw  her  again,  as  I  thought,  more  distinctly  than  before,  till  at  length 
she  disappeared  entirely  from  my  view. 

If  you  will  wait  here  a ,  I  will  come  to  you. 

"  Some  circumstances  of  misery  are  so  powerfully  ridiculous,  that  neither 
kindness  nor  duty  can  withstand  them  ;  they  force  the  friend,  the  dependant, 

or  the  child,  to  give  way  to emotions  of  merriment." 

16* 


186  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  I  can  easily  overlook  any  present sorrow,  when  I  reflect  that  il 

is  in  my  power  to  be  happy  a  thousand  years  hence." 


Need — Necessity. 

Need  is  exigent  and  pressing  ,  necessity  is  stern  and  unyield- 
ing. Necessity  demands  ;  need  requires.  Those  who  are  in 
necessity  are  in  the  lowest  degree  of  poverty,  and  have  no 
means  of  supplying  their  commonest  wants  ;  those  who  are  in 
need  are  in  a  temporary  difficulty,  from  which  a  moderate  help 
will  relieve  them.  Necessity  forces  us  to  act  for  ourselves ; 
in  our  need,  we  require  the  assistance  of  our  friends.  We 
may  manage  to  do  without  what  is  needful,  but  what  is  neces- 
sary cannot  be  dispensed  with. 

{Lear.  O,  reason  not  the  need ;  our  basest  beggars 
Are  in  the  poorest  things  superjPuous ; 
Allow  not  nature  more  than  nature  needs, 
Man's  life  is  cheap  as  beasts' ;  King  Lear,  ii.  4, 

necessity 

Commands  me  name  myself,  Coriolanusy  iv.  5. 

Nature  hath  need  of  what  she  asks  ;  yet  God     - 

Can  satisfy  that  need  some  other  way.  P.  R.j  ii.  253. 

So  spake  the  fiend,  and  with  necessity, 

The  tyrant's  plea,  excused  his  devilish  deeds        P.  L.j  iv.  393. 

Long  patience  hath  such  mild  composure  given, 

That  patience  now  doth  seem  a  thing  of  which 

He  hath  no  need. "Wordsworth.    *  Poems  on  Old  Age,'' 

Who,  doomed  to  go  in  company  with  Pain, 

And  Fear,  and  Bloodshed,  miserable  train  !  • 

Turns  his  necessity  to  glorious  gain. 

*  Character  of  the  Happy  Warrior.*\ 

Exercise. 

If  the  old  saying — "  A  friend  in is  a  friend  indeed" — be  true,  how 

much  more  valuable  must  be  a  friend  in ! 

I  find  that  I  shall  be  able  to  manage  the  business  perfectly  well  by  my- 
self, and  shall  stand  in  no of  assistance  from  any  one. 

The  maxim  " has  no  law"  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  in  existence, 

and  is  quoted  or  alluded  to  by  almost  all  the  writers  of  antiquity. 

We  should  be  always  ready  to  assist  our  fellow-creatures  in  time  of  their 


It  is  our  duty,  as  far  as  lies  in  our  power,  to  relieve  the of  those 

who  are  in  distress. 

We  found  the  poor  people  in  a  state  of  the  most  horrible  destitution ;  they 
had  been  obliged  to  part  with  every  piece  of  furniture  they  possessed  to  pur- 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  187 

hiase  food,  and  to  complete  their  misery,  in  the  midst  of  their ,  sev- 

ral  of  them  were  attacked  with  a  malignant  fever ! 

"  One  of  the  many  advantages  of  friendship  is,  that  we  can  say  to  our 
iend  the  things  that  stand  in of  pardon." 

*'  The  cause  of  all  the  distractions  in  his  court  or  army  proceeded  from  the 
xlreme  poverty  and his  majesty  was  in." 


Obstruction — Obstacle, 

Both  these  words  are  expressive  of  what  interferes  with 
)ur  progress.  The  difference  between  them  is,  that  an  obstruc- 
ion  hinders  our  proceeding  as  fast  as  we  wish  ;  whereas  an 
obstacle  effectually  prevents  our  advancing.  An  obstacle  is 
lomething  standing  before  us ;  an  obstruction  is  something 
thrown  in  our  way.  We  stumble  at  an  obstruction ;  we  are 
itopped  by  an  obstacle.  Hence,  an  obstacle  is  a  more  serious 
matter  than  an  obstruction.  A  heavy,  wet  road,  is  an  obstruc- 
tion to  the  wheels  of  a  carriage.  A  gate  placed  across  a  road 
is  an  obstacle  to  the  progress  of  a  carriage.  Metaphorically, 
the  same  di^nction  exists.  Obstructions  are  removed ;  obsta- 
cles are  surmounted. 

lArch.  the  obstructions,  which  begin  to  stop 

Our  very  veins  of  life 2  Hen.  IV..,  iv.  1. 

Glo.  if  all  obstacles  were  cut  away, 

And  that  my  path  were  even  to  the  crown.  Richard  III.,  iii.  7. 

no  cloud,  or,  to  obstruct  his  sight, 

Star  interposed P.  L.,  v.  257. 

For  sight  no  obstacle  found  here,  nor  shade  Id.,  iii.  615.] 

Exercise, 

The  river  being  now  clear  of  all ,  the  two  sailmg  vessels  started  at 

eleven  o'clock,  and  were  expected  to  return  from  the  Nore  the  same  night. 

The  Duke  of  Gloucester,  who  allowed  nothing  to  stand  in  the  way  of  his 
j  designs,  procured  the  death  of  the  young  princes,  his  nephews,  as  well  as  of 
all  those  whose  influence  or  example  presented  any to  his  ambition. 

Sel.f-conceit  is  one  of  the  greatest to  our  improvement. 

The  opposition,  during  this  session,  was  more  violent  than  ever,  and  every 
conceivable  -* was  thrown  in  the  way  of  the  government. 

The  pertinacity  with  which  the  Saxons  clung  to  their  own  customs  and 
^&^^g®  seemed  to  increase  with  the  cruel  policy  of  their  haughty  con- 
queror, and  was  for  a  long  time  an  effectual to  his  desires. 

"  One must  have  stood  not  a  little  in  the  way  of  that  preferment 


188  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

after  which  Young  seems  to  have  panted.   Though  he  took  orders,  he  never 
entirely  shook  off  politics." 

"  In  his  winter  quarters,  the  king  expected  to  meet  with  all  the 

and  difficulties  his  enraged  enemies  could  lay  in  his  way." 


P  ertinacity —  Obstinacy. 

Pertinacity  is  but  an  intensive  degree  of  tenacity,  which 
expresses  the  quality  of  holding-to.  Obstinacy  is  holding  to  a 
purpose  when  violently  opposed.  People  cling  to  what  they 
consider  their  natural  rights  with  pertinacity ;  but  if  an  attempt 
be  made  to  deprive  them  of  those  rights,  they  defend  them 
with  obstinacy.  The  word  obstinacy  contains  the  idea  of  op- 
position. We  speak  of  an  obstinate  dispute,  defence,  &c.  We 
are  pertinacious  in  maintaining  opinions  ;  we  are  obstinate  in 
maintaining  prejudices. 

{Cam.  The  queen  is  obstinate, 

Stubborn  to  justice Henry  VIII.,  ii.  4. 

Anger  and  obstinacy,  and  hate  and  guile.  ■^'^I^u'  ^^'^'] 

Exercise. 

"  One  of  the  dissenters  appeared  to  Dr.  Sanderson  to  be  so  bold,  so  trou- 
blesome, and  illogical  in  the  dispute,  as  forced  him  to  say,  that  he  had  never 
met  a  man  of  more confidence,  and  less  abiUties." 

He  was  extremely  tenacious  of  his  own  opinions,  and  defended  them  on 

all  occasions  with  the  most  determined ,  though  his  arguments  never 

carried  conviction  to  the  minds  of  any  who  heard  them. 

is  never  convinced  of  its  own  integrity ;  it  resists  reason,  and  op- 
poses common  sense  ;  has  to  do  with  our  feelings,  prejudices,  national 

character,  &lc.  :  in  the  latter,  there  is  an  amiable  weakness ;  in  the  former, 
a  self-sufficient  pride. 

This  controversy  was  distinguished  by  the  violence  with  which  it  was 

conducted  on  both  sides ;  for  nothing  could  exceed  the which  the 

two  parties  exhibited  in  maintaining  their  opinions,  unless  it  was  the  malig- 
nity with  which  they  denounced  those  of  their  opponents. 

"  Most  writers  use  their  words  loosely  and  uncertainly,  and  do  not  make 
plain  and  clear  deductions  of  words  from  one  another,  which  it  were  not  dif- 
ficult to  do,  did  they  not  find  it  convenient  to  shelter  their  ignorance  or 
under  the  obscurity  of  their  terms." 

"  In  this  reply  was  included  a  very  gross  mistake,  and  if  maintained  with 
,  a  capital  error." 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  189 

P  er  suasion —  Conviction . 
In  order  to  persuade,  we  address  the  feelings  and  the  im- 
agination. In  order  to  convince,  we  address  the  reasoning 
faculty.  The  tinsel  and  glitter  of  rhetoric  persuade  ;  the  argu- 
ments of  the  reasoner  convince.  After  persuasion,  a  doubt 
may  remain  in  the  mind ;  but  we  have  a  positive  certainty  of 
what  we  are  convinced  of.  A  conviction  implies  firm  belief. 
iWe  may  have  misgivings  concerning  the  truth  of  what  we  are 
persuaded  to  believe.  Persuasion  is  liable  to  change.  Con- 
viction is  firm  and  lasting. 

iFal. may'st  thou  have  the  spirit  of  persuasion,  and  he  the  ears  of 

profiting ,  1  Henry  IV.,  i.  2. 

By  winning  words  to  conquer  willing  hearts  . 

And  make  persuasion  do  the  work  of  fear    I  \  '   P.  K.,  i.  223. 

subtle  shifts  conviction  to  evade.  Id.,  iv.  308.] 

Exercise. 

"  When  men  have  settled  in  themselves  a that  there  is  nothing 

honorable  which  is  not  accompanied  with  innocence ;  nothing  mean  but 
what  has  guilt  in  it ;  riches,  pleasures,  and  honors  will  easily  lose  their 
charms,  if  they  stand  between  us  and  our  integrity." 

"  Let  the  mind  be  possessed  with  the of  immortal  happiness  an- 
nexed to  the  act,  and  there  will  be  no  want  of  candidates  to  struggle  for  the 
glorious  prerogative." 

'  I  should  be  glad  if  I  could him  to  write  such  another  critique  on 

any  thing  of  mine  ;  for  when  he  condemns  any  of  my  poems,  he  makes  the 
world  have  a  better  opinion  of  them." 

"  That  which  I  have  been  all  this  while  endeavouring  to men  of, 

and  to them  to,  is  no  other  than  what  God  himself  doth  particularly 

recommend  to  us  as  proper  for  human  consideration." 

"  Philoclea's  beauty  not  only ,  but  so  as  all  hearts  must 

yield  ;  Pamela's  beauty  used  violence,  and  such  as  no  heart  could  resist." 
'    **  History  is  all  the  light  we  have  in  many  cases,  and  we  receive  from  it  a 
great  part  of  the  useful  truths  we  have,  with  a evidence." 

'*  How  incongruous  v/ould  it  be  for  a  mathematician  to with  elo- 

iquence,  to  use  all  imaginable  insinuations  and  entreaties  that  he  might  pre- 
Ivail  with  his  hearers  to  believe  that  three  and  three  make  six  /" 


P  leasure — Happiness, 
Pleasure  is  a  temporary  gratification.     Happiness  is  a  con- 
tinued state  of  enjoyment.     We  are  happy  in  the  exercise  of 


190  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


our  faculties ,  we  are  pleased  with  whatever  is  agreeable  to 
our  perceptions.  Pleasure  is  derived  through  the  senses.  We' 
feel  pleasure  from  what  we  eat  or  drink,  see  or  hear.  Hap- 
piness is  an  inward  feeling,  and  is  derived  from  consciousness. 
The  beauty  of  a  landscape,  the  sound  of  music,  the  fragrance 
of  flowers,  give  us  pleasure;  the  consciousness  of  our  power 
to  enjoy  these  pleasures  makes  us  happy. 

[Ant.         the  purest  pleasure 

By  revolution  lowering,  does  become 

The  opposite  of  itself Ant.  and  Chop.,  i.  2. 

Rom.  let  rich  music's  tongue 

Unfold  the  imagined  happiness Romeo  and  Juliet^  ii. 

all  taste  of  pleasure  must  forego        P.  L.,  xi.  541. 

the  face 

Of  God,  whom  to  behold  was  then  my  highth 

Of  happiness. Id.,  x.  725. 

While  here  I  stand,  not  only  with  the  sense 

Of  present  pleasure,  but  with  pleasing  thoughts 

That  in  this  moment  there  is  life  and  food 

For  future  years. Wordsworth.    '  Tintem  Abbey  Lines  J 

A  temper  known  to  those,  who,  after  long 

And  weary  expectation,  have  been  blest 

With  sudden  happiness  beyond  all  hope.         *  Nutting.'] 

Exercise. 

Having  inspected  the  whole  establishment,  and  partaken  of  some  refresh^  \ 
ment  which  had  been  prepared  for  him,  he  departed,  expressing  great  - 
at  every  thing  he  had  seen. 

Wealth,  though  it  assists  our ,  cannot  procure  us  - 


A  consciousness  of  our  integrity  is  a  never-failing  source  of  - 


■  does  not  consist  in  the of  sense,  in  whatever  profusion  o* 


variety  they  be  enjoyed. 

When  we  are  in  perfect  health  and  spirits,  we  feel  in  ourselves  a 

independent  of  any  particular  outward  gratification  whatever,  and  of  which 
we  can  give  no  account. 

There  is  hardly  any  delusion  by  which  men  are  greater  sufferers  in  theil 
,  than  by  expecting  too  much  from  what  is  called . 

In  strictness,  any  condition  may  be  denominated ,  in  which  thi! 

amount  of exceeds  that  of  pain  ;  and  the  degree  of depends 

upon  the  quantity  of  this  excess. 

"  Tiiat  every  day  has  its  pains  and  sorrows,  is  universally  experienced 
but  if  we  look  impartially  about  us,  we  shall  find  that  every  day  has  like* 
wise  its and  its  joys." 

"  The  various  and  contrary  choices  that  men  make  in  the  world  argue  thai 
the  same  thing  is  not  good  to  every  man  alike  ;  this  variety  of  pursuit  shows 
that  every  one  does  not  place in  the  same  thing." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  ^191 


P  lenty — A  hundance . 

Plenty  denotes  fulness.  Abundance  signifies  an  overflowing. 
Abundance  is  more  than  we  want ;  plenty  is  quite  as  much  as 
we  require.  In  abundance  there  is  superfluity  ;  in  plenty  there 
is  satisfaction.  From  an  abundance  we  can  lay  by ;  from 
plenty  we  have  a  full  sufficiency.  By  the  best  writers,  plenty 
is  more  frequently  used  in  a  primary  sense  ;  abundance,  in  a 
secondary  signification.  Plenty  of  corn,  meat,  wine,  &c. ;  an 
abundance  of  blessings,  wealth,  riches,  &c. 

[Cran.       Peace,  plenty,  love,  truth,  terror 

That  were  the  servants  to  this  chosen  infant. 

Shall  then  be  his,  and  like  a  vine  grow  to  him.    Henry  Vlll.y  v.  4. 

Aust.  this  abundance  of  superfluous  breath. 

King  Johnj  ii.  1. 

the  earth 

Though,  in  comparison  of  heaven,  so  small, 

Nor  glistering,  may  of  solid  good  contain 

More  plenty  than  the  sun  that  barren  shines.       P.  L.^  viii.  94. 

do  not  charge  most  innocent  Nature, 

As  if  she  would  her  children  should  be  riotous 

With  her  abundance Comusy  764.] 

Exercise, 

"  Those  people  of  quality  who  cannot  easily  bear  the  expense  of  Vienna, 
ihoose  to  reside  here,  (at  Prague,)  where  they  have  assemblies,  music,  and 
other  diversions,   those  of  a  court  excepted,  at  very  moderate  rates,  all 

things  being  here  in  great  ,  especially  the  best  wild-fowl  I  ever 

tasted." 

"  Ye  shall  eat  in ,  and  be  satisfied,  and  praise  the  Lord." 

Last  year,  the  harvest  was  so   ,  that  it  was  estimated  we  had 

pnough  corn  to  last  the  whole  nation  for  more  than  three  years. 
"  The  resty  knaves  are  overrun  with  ease. 

As ever  is  the  nurse  of  faction." 

"  And  God  said,  let  the  waters  generate. 
Reptile  with  spawn ,  living  soul." 

"  Berne  is ly  furnished  with  waters,  there  being  a  great  multitude 

i)f  fountains." 

The  banquet  was  furnished  with  every  delicacy  which  could  be  procured  ; 

there  was of  meats  and  sauces  of  all  kinds,  and  no  want  of  any 

Jiing  which  the  most  refined  taste  could  desire. 

1    The  charity  children  were  regaled  with  roast  beef  and  plum-pudding  on 

the  occasion.     They  all  had to  eat  and  drink,  and  went  home  in 

Jie  evening  highly  delighted  with  the  festivities  of  the  day. 


19!J^  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


Riot — Tumult, 


A  riot  arises  out  of  a  quarrel  in  which  many  are  concerned 
A  tumult  is  a  general  riot.  There  are  more  persons  engaged 
in  a  tumult  than  in  a  riot.  There  may  be  many  riots  at  the 
same  time,  but  there  can  be  but  one  tumult  (in  the  same 
place).  Riots  may  lead  to  a  tumult.  A  riot  takes  place  in  a 
street  or  court ;  the  whole  city  is  engaged  in  a  tumult.  A 
riot  affects  the  local  peace;  a  tumult  destroys  the  peace  and 
order  of  the  whole  community. 

[  Cant.  His  hours  filled  up  with  riots,  banquets,  sports, 

Henry  F.,  i.  1. 

K.  John. and  civil  tumult  reigns  King  John,  iv.  2. 

in  luxurious  cities,  where  the  noise 


Of  riot  ascends  above  their  loftiest  towers  P.  L.,  i.  499. 

a  broken  foe. 

With  tumult  less  and  with  less  hostile  din  Id.,  ii.  1040. 

Tlae  unfettered  clouds  and  region  of  the  heavens 

Tumult  and  peace,  the  darkness  and  the  light 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Simplon  Pass  " 

the  Gods  approve 

The  depth,  and  not  the  tumult  of  the  soul. 

*  Laodamia.^l 

Exercise, 

having  broken  out  in  several  parts  of  the  town,  it  was  judged 

necessary  to  send  for  the  assistance  of  the  military. 

A  body  of  horse  soldiers  were  immediately  ordered  from  the  adjoinmg 
barracks,  but  when  they  arrived,  they  found  the  whole  city  in  a . 

On  many  occasions,  when  bread  has  been  dear,  or  trade  and  manufac- 
tures depressed, have  taken  place  in  various  parts  of  England. 

In  the  midst  of  this ,  Tiberius  Gracchus,  having  fallen  over  a 

dead  body  that  lay  in  his  way,  was  killed,  on  attempting  to  rise,  by  a  ; 
violent  blow  on  the  head. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  exertions  of  the  magistrates,  who  acted  with  ! 
singular  moderation  upon  this  occasion,  it  was  found  impossible  to  quell  the  ! 
'  which  had  now  extended  itself  all  over  the  country,  and  threatened  ' 

the  state  itself  with  destruction. 

The  people,  who  considered  themselves  grievously  injured  by  this 
decree,  met  in  large  bodies,  and  on  one  or  two  occasions  behaved  in  such 
an  unruly  manner,  that  it  was  Imnd  necessary  to  read  the Act. 

"  The ous  assembling  of  twelve  persons  or  more,  and  not  dis- 
persing upon  proclamation,  was  first  made  high  treason  by  statute." 

*'  In  this  piece  of  poetry,  what  can  be  nobler  than  the  idea  he  gives 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  193 

US  of  the  Supreme  Being  thus  raising  a among  the  elements,  and 

recovering  them  out  of    their  confusion;   thus  troubling  and    becalming 
nature?" 


Servant — Slave. 
The  servant  serves  according  to  compact.  The  slave 
serves  upon  compulsion.  The  servant  undertakes  to  do  that 
for  which  he  shall  be  remunerated.  The  slave  is  no  party  to  his 
own  service  ;  his  master  has  unlimited  power  over  him.  The 
servant  may  cancel  his  agreement,  and  seek  another  master. 
The  slave  is  deprived  of  all  liberty.  Slaves  are  oppressed  ; 
in  this  country,  servants  are  generally  well  treated ;  if  not, 
they  are  at  liberty  to  change  their  master. 

iMach.  our  duties 

Are  to  your  throne  and  state,  children  and  servants, 
Which  do  but  what  they  should,  by  doing  every  thing 
Safe  toward  your  love  and  honour.      Macbeth,  i.  4. 

Lear.  here  I  stand,  your  slave, 

•'•  A  poor,  infirm,  weak,  and  despised  old  man. 

f.  King  Lear  J  iii.  2. 

His  servants  he,  with  new  acquist 
Of  true  experience,  from  this  great  event, 
',  With  peace  and  consolation  hath  dismissed 

And  calm  of  mind,  all  passion  spent    -S.  A.,  1754. 
Eyeless  in  Gaza  at  the  mill  with  slaves. 

Id.,  41. 

an  ancient  State 

*  Strong  by  her  charters,  free  because  inbound, 

Servant  of  Providence,  not  slave  of  Fate 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  lAberty  and  Order.*} 

Exercise. 

"  The  condition  of was  formerly  different  from  what  it  is  now, 

they  being  generally ,  and  such  as  were  bought  and  sold  for  money." 

"  This  subjection,  due  from  all  men  to  all  men,  is  something  more  than 
the  compliment  of  course,  when  our  betters  tell  us  they  are  our  humble 

,  but  understand  us  to  be  their ." 

"  I  had  rather  be  a  country maid. 

Than  a  great  queen  with  this  condition." 

"  When  once  men  are   immersed  in  sensual  things,  and  are  become 

■ to  their  passions,  then  are  they  most  disposed  to  doubt  the  existence 

of  God." 

Jeanne  d'Arc  was  a maid  at  an  hotel  in  the  small  hamlet  of 

Domremy,  in  Champagne. 

17 


194  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

The  British  government  have  exerted  themselves  strenuously  to  put  down 

the  inhuman  traffic  in . 

Every  station  in  life  has  its  proper  duties ;  master  and ,  teacher 

and  scholar,  father  and  son,  &c.  &c. 

An  immense  sum  of  money  was   some  years  ago  paid  by  the  British 
government  to  the  West  India  planters,  by  way  of  indemnification  for  the 

emancipation  of  their . 

"  For  master  or  for here  to  call, 

Was  all  alike  when  only  two  were  all." 

" to  our  passions  we  become,  and  then, 

It  grows  impossible  to  govern  men." 


Slander —  Calumny. 
These  words  both  denote  the  taking  away  of  our  neigh- 
bour's character.  Slander  differs  from  cahimny  in  this,  that 
in  slandering,  we  spread  abroad  an  evil  report  which  has 
reached  our  ears  ;  but  in  calumniating,  we  ourselves  both 
forge  and  propagate  a  false  character.  Hence  the  calumniator 
is  more  despicable  than  the  slanderer  ;  for  the  latter,  with 
the  intention  of  injuring,  is  heedless  of  the  truth  of  the  re- 
port he  spreads  ;  whereas  the  former  both  fabricates  it  and 
spreads  it  abroad.  The  falsehood  originates  with  the  ca- 
lumniator, and  is  disseminated  by  the  slanderer. 

{King.  so,  haply,  slander, — 

Whose  whisper  o'er  the  world's  diameter 

As  level  as  the  cannon  to  his  blank 

Transports  his  poisoned  shot. Hamlet^  iv.  1. 

Duke.  back- wounding  calumny 

The  whitest  virtue  strikes Winter's  Tale,  iii.  2.J 

Exercise, 

Heedless  alike  of  his  own  reputation,  or  of  the  peace  of  mind  of  others, 

he  took  every  opportunity  to  spread  the ,  and  before  he  could  reflect 

upon  the  consequences,  the  injury  he  had  occasioned  was  irreparable. 

The  accused  man  suddenly  rose  ;  the  strongest  indignation  burned  in  his 
countenance  ;  he  solemnly  protested  his  ignorance  of  the  whole  transaction, 
and  consequent  innocence  of  the  charge,  concluding  by  declaring  it  to  bo 
his  firm  conviction  that  the  whole  accusation  was  a  vile  and  abominable 
,  invented  for  the  mere  purpose  of  blasting  his  character. 

Be  slow  to  believe  evil  of  others ;  30  sh^lt  thou  shut  thine  ear  to > 

gnd  live  charitably  with  all  men. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  195 

"  Give  me  leave  to  speak  as  earnestly  in  truly  commending  it,  as  you 

have  done  in  untruly  and  unkindly  defacing  and it " 

"  The  way  to  silence ,  says  Bias,  is  to  be  always  exercised  in  such 

things  as  are  praiseworthy." 

" J  that  worst  of  poisons,  ever  finds 

An  easy  entrance  to  ignoble  minds."  • 


Temperance — Abstinence. 
Abstinence  is  the  power  of  refraining  ;  temperance  is  the . 
power  of  enjoying  with  moderation.  We  abstain  from  what 
is  injurious  to  our  health ;  we  are  temperate  in  our  use  of 
what  is  good  for  us.  Abstinence  demands  self-denial ;  tem- 
perance requir^  wisdom.  We  abstain  from  high-seasoned 
dishes,  spirituOTs  liquors,  &c. ;  we  are  temperate  in  food, 
language,  expression,  manners,  &c.  Abstinence  is  opposed 
i  to  the  use  of  a  thing ;  temperance,  to  its  abuse.  It  is  a 
question  whether  there  is  not  more  merit  in  exercising  tem- 
perance than  in  the  practice  of  abstinence,  since  it  argues  a 
greater  strength  of  mind  to  use  a  gift  moderately,  than  lo  re- 
frain from  it  altogether.  We  may  abstain  through  fear  or 
necessity  ;  to  be  temperate,  we  must  have  a  well-regulated 
mind. 

\.Mal.  The  king-becoming  graces, 

As  justice,  verity,  temperance,  stableness 

Macbeth,  iv.  3. 

Duke.  A  man  of  stricture,  and  firm  abstinence. 

Meas.for  Me  as.,  i.  4. 

—  Knowledge  is  as  food,  and  needs  no  less 

Her  temperance  over  appetite,  to  know 

In  measure  what  the  mind  may  well  contain. 

P.  L.,  vii.  127. 

That  sacred  fruit,  sacred  to  abstinence 

P.  L.,  ix.  924. 

In  this  one  man  is  shown  a  temperance— proof 
Against  all  trials  ;  industry  severe 
And  constant  as  the  motion  of  the  sun. 

The  Excursion,  vii. 

demand  of  him,  if  there  be  here 

In  this  cold  abstinence  from  evil  deeds 
And  these  inevitable  charities 
Wherewith  to  satisfy  the  human  soul  ? 

<  The  014  Cumberland  Beggar.^} 


196  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

The  moral  code  of  all  philosophers  strictly  enjoins as  the  best  pre- 
servative both  of  bodily  and  mental  health. 

from  wine  and  pork  was  commanded  to  the  followers  of  Moham- 
med. 

The of  the  lower  orders  is  a  safe  priterion  of  the  general  morals 

of  a  nation. 

The  Christian  system  enjoins —  from  those  pleasures  which  have  a 

tendency  to  degrade  our  nature. 

The  physician  ordered  his  patient  to  be  very in  his  food,  and  to 

altogether  from  ardent  spirits,  wine,  salt  meats,  &lc. 

"  Make thy  companion,  so  shall  health  sit  on  thy  brow." 

"  To  set  the  mind  above  the  appetites  is  the  end  of ,  which  one  of 

the  fathers  observes  to  be  not  a  virtue,  but  the  groundwork  of  virtue." 

*'  I  advised  him  to  be in  eating  and  drinking." 

"  Religious  men,  who  hither  must  be  sent, 
As  awful  guides  of  heavenly  government  *, 

To  teach  you  penance,  fasts,  and , 

To  punish  bodies  for  the  soul's  offence." 


Vicinity — Neighbourhood. 

These  words  differ  in  degree.  Vicinity  does  not  express 
so  close  a  connection  as  neighbourhood.  A  neighbourhood  is 
a  more  immediate  vicinity.  The  streets  immediately  adjoin- 
ing a  square  are  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  square.  The 
streets  a  little  farther  removed  are  in  the  vicinity  of  that  square. 
Hampstead  and  Highgate  are  in  the  vicinity,  not  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, of  London.  Where  houses  are  not  built  together 
in  masses,  there  can  be  no  neighbourhood.  In  the  country, 
gentlemen's  seats  are  often  in  the  vicinity  of  a  town  or  village. 
In  London,  every  square,  street,  and  alley,  has  its  neighbour* 
•hood.  The  word  neighbourhood  is  also  used  for  the  inhabit- : 
ants,  taken  collectively,  who  live  near,  as  well  as  the  place 
near. 

{Fr.  King.  Plant  neighbourhood  and  christian-like  accord 
In  their  sweet  bosoms,  that  never  war  advance 
His  bleeding  sword  'twixt  England  and  fair  France. 

Henry  T.,  v.  2. 
My  daily  walks  and  ancient  neighbourhood 

Comus,  314. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  197 

Happy  as  others  of  her  kind, 
That,  far  from  human  neighbourhood, 
Range  unrestricted  as  the  wind* 
Through  park  or  chase  or  savage  wood. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Russian  Fugitive.^2 

Exercise, 
"  We  had  an  elegant  house,  situated  in  a  fine  country  and  a  good  - 


"  The  Dutch,  by  the of  their  settlements  to  the  coast  of  the  Ca- 

raccas,  gradually  engrossed  the  greatest  part  of  the  cocoa  trade." 

Though  the  soul  be  not  actually  debauched,  yet  it  is  something  to  be 

in  the of  destruction." 

The  reader  has  had  a  sketch  of  the  interior  of  the  Alhambra,  and  may 

be  desirous  of  a  general  idea  of  its ." 

A  man  in  the ,  mortally  sick  of  the  small-pox,  desired  the  doctor 

to  come  to  him." 

"  I  could  not  bear 

To  leave  thee  in  the of  death." 

When  the  house  was  discovered  to  be  on  fire,  every  one  in  the 

hastened  to  give  assistance ;  and  the  whole  village  was  crowded  in  a  few 
minutes  with  vehicles  of  every  sort,  containing  tubs,  pails,  buckets,  &c., 
filled  with  water. 


Wood — Forest. 
A  forest  is  a  large  and  uncultivated  tract  of  ground  covered 
with  trees.  A  wood  is  a  smaller  assemblage  of  trees.  A  for- 
est is  the  resort  of  wild  beasts.  A  wood  is  the  haunt  of  smaller 
animals.  Lions,  bears,  wild  boars,  &c.,  live  in  forests  ;  hares, 
rabbits,  squirrels,  &c.,  in  woods.  Wood  is  derived  from  the 
Saxon  wod ;  forest,  from  the  low  Latin /bre^^a.  The  forest  is 
characterized  by  its  uncertain  extent  and  wildness  of  growth ; 
the  wood,  by  thickness  of  growth. 

iDuke.  Are  not  these  woods 

More  free  from  peril  than  the  envious  court  ? 

As  You  Like  Itj  11.  1 
Macb.  Who  can  impress  the  forest ;  bid  the  tree 
Unfix  his  earth-bound  root  ?  Machethy  iv.  1. 

In  wood  or  wilderness,  forest  or  den    P.  L.,  iv.  342. 

by  blessed  song 

Forbidding  every  bleak  unkindly  fog 
To  touch  the  prosperous  growth  ot  this  tall  wood, 

ComuSy  270. 

or  faery  elves, 

Whose  midnight  revels,  by  a  forest  side, 
Or  fountain,  some  belated  peasant  sees. 

P.  L.,  i.  782. 
17* 


198  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

But  oft  'che  woods  renewed  their  green, 
Ere  the  tired  head  of  Scotland's  Queen 
Reposed  upon  the  block ! 

Wordsworth.     *  Lament  of  Mary  Queen  of  Scots ' 

Yet,  when  above  the  forest-glooms 

The  white  swans  southward  passed, 
High  as  the  pitch  of  their  swift  plumes 

Her  fancy  rode  the  blast.  *  The  Russian  Fugitive.^2 

Exercise, 

"  By  many  tnbulations  we  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  because, 
in  a of  many  wolves,  sheep  cannot  choose  but  feed  in  continual  dan- 
ger of  life." 

I  counted  yesterday  afternoon  more  than  sixty  hares  in  the  field  below 
the  lake,  and,  on  clapping  my  hands,  they  all  scampered  into  the  adjoining 
,  and  disappeared  in  a  moment. 

A  lion,  being  fatigued  with  hunting,  lay  down  to  repose  under  one  of  the 
wide-spreading  trees  of  the . 

The  lively  fancy  of  the  ancient  Greeks  peopled  all  creation  with  imagin- 
ary beings ;  every  fountain  had  its  goddess,  every its  nymph,  and 

every  cave  its  divinity. 

William  the  Conqueror  laid  waste  a  tract  of  thirty  square  leagues  in 
Hampshire,  burning  villages,  cottages,  and  churches,  and  expelling  the  in- 
habitants, to  form  the  New ,  as  it  is  still  called. 

"  The born  people  fall  before  her  flat, 

And  worship  her  as  goddess  of  the ." 

There  is  a  small in  the  vicinity  of  the  town,  whither  the  inhabit- 
ants repair  to  enjoy  themselves  on  holidays. 


To  alter — to  change. 
To  change  is  to  substitute  one  thing  for  another ;  to  alter  is 
to  make  some  difference  in  one  thing  or  person.  Those  per- 
sons are  changed  whose  features  we  cannot  recognise  after  a 
lapse  of  time  ;  those  persons  are  altered  whom  we  have  diffi- 
culty in  recognising.  To  change  a  dress  is  to  take  one  off 
and  put  another  on  ;  to  alter  a  dress  is  to  make  it  in  some  re- 
spect different.  We  change  our  opinions  when  we  give  up 
old  and  adopt  new  ones ;  we  alter  our  opinions  when  they 
become  no  longer  in  every  respect  the  same  as  formerly. 
Changes  are  intensive  alterations.  Alterations  regard  the 
part ;  changes,  the  whole. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  199 

iCam.  Prosperity's  the  very  bond  of  love  ; 
Whose  fresh  complexion  and  whose  heart  together 

Affliction  alters. Winter's  Tale,  iv,  3. 

Ham.  For  use  almost  can  change  the  stamp  of  nature. 
Hamlet,  iii.  4. 

no  thought  infirm 

Altered  her  clieek P.  i.,  v.  385. 

These  changes  in  the  heavens,  though  slow,  produced 

Like  change  on  sea  and  land Id.,  x.  692 

looking  round,  imagined  that  he  saw 

Strange  alteration  wrought  on  every  side 
Among  the  woods  and  fields,  and  that  the  rocks, 
And  everlasting  hills  themselves  were  changed. 

WoRBSwoETH.    *  The  Brothers,''} 

Exercise, 

It  was  now  fourteen  years^iuce  I  had  left  ray  native  village,  and  I  had 
in  that  time  visited  almost  eveiy  part  of  the  globe.  It  was  then  not  without 
|«ason  that  I  could  hardly  believe  I  was  again  in  the  place  of  my  birth. 

Time  had  worked  so  many ,  and  the  appearance  of  those  I  knew 

intimately  when  I  went  away  was  so ,  that  I  felt  quite  like  a  stranger. 

This  sudden  accession  of  fortune  did  not  appear  to  affect  him  in  any  way ; 

he  made  no in  his  style  of  living,  received  his  friends  in  the  same 

cordial  but  frugal  manner  as  formerly,  and  did  not  increase  his  expenses  m 
any  particular. 

I  found  upon  inquiry  that  the  house  had owners  since  I  had  last 

visited  the  spot.  I  was  a  little  depressed  by  this  intelligence,  but  soon  re- 
covering my  spirits,  I  knocked  at  the  door,  and  finding  that  the  family  were 
absent,  begged  to  be  permitted  to  see  the  house  and  grounds. 

Every  thing  stood  as  it  was  in  the  old  time,  and  there  was  ncthmg 

either  in  the  grounds  or  house. 

"  How  strangely  are  the  opinions  of  men by  a in  their 

condition  !" 

"  They  who  beyond  sea  go  will  sadly  find 
They their  climate  only,  not  their  mind." 


To  he — to  exist. 

The  verb  to  he  is  used  to  connect  what  is  declared  of  a  sub- 
ject with  the  subject  itself. 

The  verb  to  exist  is  never  used  with  the  qualities  of  things , 
it  simply  points  to  the  existence  of  the  things  themselves. 
Thus:  Man  is  an  animal;  children  are  inexperienced;  the 
soul  exists ;  the  soul  is  immortal.  Friendship  exists ;  friend- 
ship is  a  solace  in  adversity. 


200  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

ZCas.  That  by  your  virtuous  means,  I  may  again 
JSxist,  and  be  a  member  of  his  love      Othelloj  iii.  4. 
How  charming  is  divine  philosophy ! 
Not  harsh  and  crabbed,  as  dull  fools  suppose, 
But  musical  as  is  Apollo's  lute  Comus^  476. 

The  heavens  whose  aspect  makes  our  minds  as  still 
As  they  themselves  appear  to  be, 
Innumerable  voices  fill 
With  everlasting  harmony 

WoKDswoRTH.    *  On  the  Power  of  Sound. 
Whate'er  exists  hath  properties  that  spread 
Beyond  itself,  communicating  good 
A  simple  blessing,  or  with  evil  mixed 

'  The  Excursion,''  ix.] 

Exercise. 

1 

**  It  is  as  easy  to  conceive  that  an  Almighty  Power  might  produce  a  thing 

owt  of  nothing,  and  make  that  to which  did  not before ;  as 

to  conceive  the  world  to  have  had  no  beginning,  but  to  have from 

eternity." 

"  To  say  a  man  has  a  clear  idea  of  quantity  without  knowing  how  great 

it , to  say  he  has  the  dear  idea  of  the  number  of  the  sands, 

who  knows  not  how  many  they ." 

"  When  the  soul  is  freed  from  all  corporeal  alliance,  then  it  truly ." 

"  Herein  the  exact  difference  between  the  young  and  the  old. 

The  young not  happy  but  when  enjoying  pleasure  ;  the  old 

happy  when  free  from  pain." 

"  Man mian,  and  will  man  under  all  circumstances  and 

changes  of  life ;  he under  every  known  climate  and  variety  of  heat 

or  cold  in  the  atmosphere." 

It  is  difficult  to  conceive  how  these  poor  men  could  have so  long 

in  such  dreadful  extremities. 

"  Henry,  called  of  Winchester,  the  place  of  his  birth,  but  ten 

years  of  age  when  his  father  died." 

The  Fyrrhonians  were  a  sect  of  Greek  philosophers  who  doubted  the 
of  every  thing. 


To  confuse — to  confound. 
Things  become  confounded  in  consequence  of  being  con- 
fused. To  confuse  does  not  express  so  high  a  degree  of  dis- 
order as  to  confound.  One  who  is  confused  still  retains  his 
senses  to  a  certain  degree  ;  he  is  only  thrown  into  disorder. 
lie  who  is'  confounded  is  in  the  highest  state  of  stupefaction, 
and  no  longer  knows  what  he  is  doing.     A  criminal  is  con* 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  201 

founded  at  the  discovery  of  his  guilt ;  liars  are  confused  when 
suspected.  Impudence  confounds ;  severity  confuses.  The 
confusion  of  tongues  at  Babel  confounded  the  multitude. 

iCho.  —  the  shrill  whistle,  which  doth  order  give 

To  sounds  confused Henry  V,,  iii.  (chorus.) 

Macb.       though  the  yesty  waves 

Confound  and  swallow  navigation  up 

Macbeth,  iv.  1. 
And  what  the  people  but  a  herd  confused 

P.  R.,  iii.  49. 
—  ruin  upon  ruin,  rout  on  rout 

Confusion  worse  confounded P.  L.,  ii.  996 

as  he  gazed,  there  grew 

Such  a  confusion  in  his  memory 

That  he  began  to  doubt ;  and  even  to  hope 

That  he  had  seen  this  heap  of  turf  before, — 

That  it  was  not  another  grave 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Brothers, 

rock  on  rock 

Descends : — ^beneath  this  godlike  Warrior,  see ! 
Hills,  torrents,  woods,  embodied  to  bemock 
The  Tyrant,  and  confound  his  cruelty. 

'  Sonnets  to  National  Independence, ^1 

Exercise, 

"  We  may  have  a  clear  and  distinct  idea  of  the  existence  of  many  things, 

though  our  ideas  of  their  intimate  essences  are  very and  obscure." 

"  Ignorance  is  the  darkener  of  man's  life,  the  disturber  of  his  reason,  and 

the  common er  of  truth." 

A report  of  an  accident  on  one  of  the  French  railways  has  just 

reached  town. 

"  They  who  strip  not  ideas  from  the  marks  men  use  for  them,  but 

them  with  words,  must  have  endless  disputes." 

He  was  so at  the  sudden  appearance  of  his  master,  that  he  was 

unable  to  utter  a  word. 

"  The  generality  of  writers  are  apt  to words  with  one  another,  and 

to  employ  them  with  promiscuous  carelessness,  merely  for  the  sake  of  filling 
up  a  period,  or  of  diversifying  the  language." 

"  He  has  so  much  to  do,  and  his  head  is  become  so ,  that  it  is  not 

BUrprising  his  affairs  are  falling  into  disorder." 

"  I  to  the  tempest  make  the  poles  resound, 

And  the  conflicting  elements ." 

"  A report  passed  through  my  ears ; 

But  full  of  hujry,  like  a  morning  dream, 
It  vnnished  in  the  business  of  the  day." 


202 


PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


To  deprive — to  bereave. 

To  bereave  is  a  stronger  term  than  to  deprive :  there  is  an 
idea  of  violence  expressed  in  the  former  which  the  latter  does 
not  contain.  Deprive  merely  points  to  what  we  once  had,  but 
have  no  longer.  We  are  deprived  of  comforts,  of  pleasures  ; 
we  are  bereft  of  what  we  feel  necessary  to  our  existence,  or 
of  what  there  is  no  possibility  of  our  regaining.  Bereaving 
not  only  takes  away  from  us,  but  also  violently  affects  our  in- 
clination. Death  bereaves  us  of  our  children ;  an  accident 
bereaves  us  of  a  limb.  What  we  are  deprived  of  may  be  re- 
stored to  us  ;  what  we  are  bereft  of  never  returns. 

iHor.  some  other  horrible  form 

Which  might  deprive  your  sovereignty  of  reason 

And  draw  you  into  madness Hamlet,  i.  4. 

bereaves  the  state 

Of  that  integrity  which  should  become  it. 

Coriolanus,  iii.  1. 
-  no  wrong 


But  justice,  and  some  fatal  curse  annexed, 
Deprives  them  of  their  outward  liberty 

P.  L.,  xii.  100. 

bereave  me  not, 

Whereon  I  live,  thy  gentle  looks,  thy  aid, 
Thy  counsel,  in  this  uttermost  distress. 

Id.,  X.  918.] 

Exercise, 

"  To us  of  metals,  is  to  make  us  mere  savages ;  it  is  to us 

of  all  arts  and  sciences,  of  history  and  letters,  nay,  of  revealed  religion  too, 
that  inestimable  favour  of  Heaven." 

In  prison,  and ,  by  the  cruelty  of  the  tyrant,  of  the  consolations  of 

friendship,  he  endured  many  bitter  reflections. 

"  That  when  thou  com'st  to  kneel  at  Henry's  feet. 
Thou  mayst him  of  his  wits  with  wonder." 

His  mother  determined,  from  that  day  forth,  to  her  son  of  all 

pleasure  and  indulgence,  till  he  should  show  by  his  conduct  that  he  was 
really  sorry  for  what  he  had  done. 

Mr.  *  *  was of  his  excellent  wife  and  two  lovely  children  by  the 

same  illness. 

I  shall  be  sorry  to  be of  your  society ;  but  as  I  know  it  is  for  your 

advantage,  I  shall  endeavour  to  bear  the  loss  with  fortitude. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES,  203 


To  disperse — to  dispel. 

The  latter  of  these  two  verbs  expresses  an  intensive  degree 
bf  the  former.  To  disperse  is  to  scatter  abroad ;  to  dispel  is 
to  drive  away.  What  is  dispersed  no  longer  exists  m  the  same 
form  as  before  ;  what  is  dispelled  no  longer  exists  in  any  form. 
An  enemy  is  dispersed  ;  darkness  is  dispelled.  To  dispel  is 
used  in  both  a  primary  and  secondary  sense ;  to  disperse,  ojly 
in  a  primary. 

lAri,  the  rest  of  the  fleet, 

Which  I  dispersed,  they  all  are  met  again 

Tempest,  i.  %, 

if  the  night 

Have  gathered  aught  of  evil  or  concealed, 
Disperse  it,  as  now  light  dispels  the  dark. 

P.  L.,  V.  208. 
Hell  to  the  lyre  bowed  low  ;  the  upper  arch 
Rejoiced  that  clamourous  spell  and  magic  verse 
Her  wan  disasters  could  disperse. 

Wordsworth.    *  On  the  Power  of  Sotouf.'] 

Exercise. 

"**  When  the  spirit  brings  light  into  our  minds,  it darkness :  we  see 

it  £is  we  do  that  of  the  sun  at  noon,  and  need  not  the  twilight  of  reason  to 
show  it." 

"  And  I  scattered  them   among  the  heathen,   and  they  were  — — 
through  tlie  countries." 
^'  **  Hail  universal  Lord!  be  bounteous  still, 

To  give  us  only  good ;  and  if  the  night 
Have  gathered  aught  of  evil,  or  concealed, 

— — —  it,  as  now  light the  dark." 

"  As  when  a  western  whirlwind,  charged  with  storms, 

the  gathering  clouds  that  nature  forms, 

The  foe < — ,  their  bravest  warriors  killed, 

Fierce  as  a  whirlwind  now  I  swept  the  field." 
On  the  death  of  the  late  duke,  his  extensive  library  was  sold  by  puolic 

auction,  and  the  books  were  thus over  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Notwithstanding  the  most  strenuous  exertions  which  individuals  may 

make  to  the  ignorance  and  raise  the  moral  tone  of  the  lower 

orders,  little  good  will  be  effected  without  the  cordial  co-operation  of  the 
government 


204  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

To  enlarge — to  increase. 
The  verb  to  enlarge,  taken  either  in  a  moral  or  physical 
sense,  is  applied  to  extent  of  surface  ;  to  increase  is  used 
with  reference  to  bulk,  number,  or  quantity.  A  field  is  en- 
larged when,  by  the  removal  of  its  boundary,  it  is  made  to 
contain  a  greater  extent  of  ground.  In  like  manner,  a  man's 
mjfid  is  enlarged  when,  by  reading,  reflection,  or  conversa- 
tion, he  has  acquired  the  power  of  seeing  more  of  the  extent 
of  wliatever  may  be  the  object  of  his  attention.  A  balloon, 
during  the  process  of  inflation,  becomes  increased  in  size, 
and  enlarged  in  extent :  increased,  so  far  as  it  occupies  more 
space  ;  and  enlarged,  as  it  presents  more  surface  to  the  eye 
of  tbo  spectator.  Riches,  wisdom,  appetite,  &c.  are  in- 
creased ;  views,  prospects,  premises,  &c.  are  enlarged. 

[Puc.  Glory  is  like  a  circle  in  the  water 
Which  never  ceaseth  to  enlarge  itself 
Till,  by  broad  spreading,  it  disperse  to  nought. 

1  Henry  VI.,  1.  2. 

Eliz.       hie  thee  from  this  slaughter-house, 

Lest  thou  increase  the  number  of  tne  dead. 

Rich.  III.,  iv  1. 

love  refines 

The  thoughts,  and  heart  enlarges 

P.  L.,  riii.  590 

O  voice,  once  heard 

Delightfully,  Increase  and  multiply  ; 

Id.,  X.  730. 

Rather  in  the  law 

Of  increase  and  the  mandate  from  above 
Rejoice  !— and  ye  have  special  cause  for  joy. 

*  The  Excursion.^] 

Exercise. 

The  iT^veuue  of  the  country  has  greatly  during  the  last  five 

years. 

Frederic  the  Great,  of  Prussia,  considerably his  territories  by  the 

addition  d.  Silesia. 

From  the  time  of  Hugh  Capet,  the  royal  domain  (as  distinguished  from 
the  domains  of  the  great  feudal  lords)  was  progressively by  the  con- 
quest, forfeiture,  or  inheritance  of  the  greater  liefs. 

The  French  noblesse  was  exceedingly  numerous ;  for  not  only  all  the 
children  of  a  noble  belonged  to  the  class  of  their  father,  but  that  class  was 
continually  —  by  the  creation  of  new  nobles. 

The estimation  in  which  he  was  held  was  manifested  in  his  suc- 
cessive appointments  to  various  offices. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  205 

**  Then  as  her  strength  with  years -,  began 

To  pierce  aloft  in  air  the  soaring  swan." 
**  Where  there  is  something  both  lasting  and  scarce,  and  so  valuable 

to  be  hoarded  up,  tliere  men  will  not  be  apt  to their  possessions  of 

land." 


To  estimate — to  esteem. 
We  esteem  a  man  for  his  moral  qualities ;  we  estimate  him 
according  as  we  judge  of  his  worth.  To  esteem  is  always 
used  in  a  good  sense  ;  to  estimate,  in  either  a  good  or  bad, 
indifferently.  We  set  a  high  value  upon  those  we  esteem. 
It  is  possible  that  we  estimate  too  highly  those  whom  we  es- 
teem. There  are  degrees  of  estimation.  Esteem  is  in  itself 
a  high  degree  of  appreciation.  What  is  good  is  esteemed. 
That  which  is  imperfectly  known,  or  which  is  a  mixture  of 
good  and  bad,  is  estimated.  "  He  esteemed  his  friend,"  means 
that  he  highly  valued  his  character.  "  He  estimated  his 
worth,"  means  that  he  calculated  it  according  to  his  own 
standard.     Men  are  esteemed  ;  men  and  things  are  estimated. 

I  Lady  M. Would'st  thou  have  that, 

Which  thou  esteem'st  the  ornament  of  life, 
And  live  a  coward  in  thine  own  esteem. 

Macbeth,  i.  7 
For  I  esteem  those  names  of  men  so  poor, 
Who  could  do  mighty  things,  and  could  contemn 
Riches,  though  offered  from  the  hand  of  Kings. 

P.  R.,  ii.  447. 
How  nourished  here  through  such  long  time 
He  Jcnows,  who  gave  that  love  sublime  ; 
And  gave  that  strength  of  feeling,  great 
Above  all  human  estimate  !  Wordsworth.     '  Infidelity. 

v^rill  not  hold  in  light  esteem 

A  suffering  woman's  word.  *  The  Russian  Fugitive.'''} 

Exercise. 

His  kindness  and  gentleness  of  manner,  and  his  strict  integrity-  in  all 
his  dealings,  have  gained  him  the  and  love  of  all  his  fellow- 
countrymen. 

The  only  way  to  arrive  at  a  just of  the  difference  between  a 

public  and  a  private  life  is  to  try  both. 

There  is  no  prize  more  worthy  of  aspiring  after  than  the  •  of  the 

good  and  the  wise. 

It  is  impossible  to  form  a  just  — of  any  individual  character,  without 

18 


206  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

having  divested  ourselves  of  all  those  passions  or  prejudices  which  may  tend 
to  pervert  our  judgment. 

All  articles  are  not  to  be merely  by  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  ma- 
terial ;  the  form,  workmanship,  and  labour  bestowed  upon  it  must  also  enter 
into  the  calculation. 

"  The  extent  of  the  trade  of  the  Greeks,  how  highly  soever  it  may 

have  been in  ancient  times,  was  in  proportion  to  the  low  condition 

of  their  marine." 

"  I  am  not  uneasy,  that  many  whom  I  never  had  any for  are 

likely  to  enjoy  this  world  after  me  " 


To  excite — to  incite. 
When  we  excite,  we  raise  into  existence  feelings  which 
were  dormant.  When  we  incite,  we  urge  the  excited  feelings 
to  action.  When  we  are  in  a  state  of  excitement,  we  are 
easily  incited.  First  the  excitement,  then  the  incitement. 
Novelty  excites  us  ;  arguments  incite  us.  By  excitement, 
we  feel  strongly ;  by  incitement,  we  are  urged  to  action. 
Excitement  will,  undoubtedly,  greatly  assist  incitement ;  for 
a  man,  whose  passions  are  excited,  may  be  much  more  easily 
incited  to  do  wrong  than  he  who  is  calm. 

iBel.             Beaten  for  loyalty- 
Excited  me  to  treason. Cymbeline,  v,  5. 

Pro.  Incite  them  to  quick  motion. 

Tempestf  iv.  I 

glory,  the  reward 

That  sole  excites  to  high  attempts 

P  R.,  lii.  26 

and  other  stars 

By  his  attractive  virtue  and  their  own 
Incited,  dance  about  him  various  rounds. 

P.  L.,  viii.  125.J 

Exercise. 

"  The  Lacedsemonians  were  more to  desire  of  honor  with  the 

excellent  verses  of  the  poet  Tyrtceus,  than  with  all  the  exhortations  of  their 
captains." 

"  Nature  and  common  reason,  in  all  difficulties  where  prudence  or  courage 

is  required,  do  rather us  to  fly  for  assistance  to  a  single  person,  than 

to  a  multitude." 

Antony,  by  his  speech  over  the  body  of  Caesar,  and  the  reading  of  ] 

will,  so the  feelings  of  the  people  against  his  murderers,  that  th 

latter  were  obliged  to  withdraw  from  the  popular  wrath. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  207 

He  was  strongly to  study,  not  only  by  the  hope  of  honors  and  re- 

irards,  but  also  with  the  view  of  procuring  a  maintenance  for  his  aged 
lather  and  mother. 

When  the  news  arrived  of  the  disclosures  that  had  taken  place  in  the 
lity,  of  the  complete  suppression  of  the  plot,  and  of  the  execution  of  the 
eading  conspirators,  many  who  had  joined  their  standard,  from  the  love  of 
-,  and  the  hope  of  plunder,  gradually  slunk  away. 


Antiochus,  when  he  Prusias  to  join  in  war,  set  before  him  the 

creatness  of  the  Romans,  comparing  it  to  a  fire  that  took  and  spread  from 
ungdom  to  kingdom 


To  exert — to  exercise. 
In  order  to  exercise,  we  must  exert  repeatedly :  the  former 
»  but  an  intensive  form  of  the  latter.  To  exert  is  simply  to 
)ut  forth ;  to  exercise  is  to  put  forth  often,  and  involves  reiter- 
Ued  exertion.  We  may  exert  authority  in  a  single  instance, 
but  to  exercise  authority  implies  continuance  of  time,  and  repe- 
ition  of  action.  We  exert  the  voice  to  make  those  at  a  dis- 
ance  hear  us  ;  we  exercise  the  voice  to  attain  a  good  intona- 
tion and  flexibility  in  singing. 

[Sici.  No  longer  exercise 

Upon  a  valiant  race,  thy  harsh 

And  potent  injuries.  Cymbeliney  v.  4 

thence  on  the  earth 

Dominion  exercise P.  L.,  x.  400. 

The  faith  partaking  of  those  holy  times 

Life,  I  repeat,  is  energy  of  love 

Divine  or  human  ;  exercised  in  pain, 

In  strife,  and  tribulation '  The  Excursion,^  v.] 

Exercise. 

This  faculty  of  the  mind,  when  it  is  immediately  about  things, 

b  called  judgment." 

"  When  the  service  of  Britain  requires  your  courage  and  conduct,  you 
may them  both." 

"  Men  ought  to  beware  that  they  use  not and  a  spare  diet  both  ; 

but  if  much ,  a  plentiful  diet ;  if  sparing  diet,  little ." 

"  When  the  will  has an  act  of  command  upon  any  faculty  of  the 

Boul,  or  member  of  the  body,  it  has  done  all  that  the  whole  man,  as  a  moral 

agent,  can  do  for  the  actual or  employment  of  such  a  faculty  or 

member." 

**  The  Roman  tongue  was  the  study  of  their  youth  ;  it  was  theu:  own  lan- 
i^age  they  were  instructed  and in." 


208  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  How  has  Milton  represented  the  whole  Godhead ing  itself  to 

wards  man  in  its  full  benevolence  !" 

"  God  made  no  faculty  but  he  also  provided  it  with  a  proper  object  upon 

which  it  might itself." 

"  The  utmost  power  of  my ed  soul 

Preserves  a  being  only  for  your  service." 

"  The  constitution  of  their  bodies  was  naturally  so  feeble,  and  so  unac- 
customed to  the  laborious of  industry,  that  they  were  satisfied  with 

a  proportion  of  food  amazingly  small." 

"  He  was  strong  of  body,  and  so  much  the  stronger,  as  he,  by  a  well-dis- 
ciplined   ,  taught  it  both  to  do  and  to  suffer." 


To  forgive — to  pardon. 
Small  offences  are  forgiven ;  serious  offences  are  pardoned. 
The  former  word  is  used  on  familiar  occasions  ;  the  latter,  in 
cases  of  importance.  Forgiveness  is  exercised  between  those 
of  the  same  condition  in  life.  Pardon  is  granted  from  those 
in  authority  to  their  inferiors.  /We  forgive  each  other  after  a 
quarrel  /  a  king  pardons  rebels  or  conspirators.  The  expres- 
sion in  the  Lord's  Prayer,  "  Forgive  us  our  trespasses,"  is  in 
accordance  with  the  term  used  at  the  beginning  of  the  same 
prayer  :  "  Our  Father,  which  art,"  &c.  Kindness  prompts  us 
to  forgive  ;  mercy  inclines  us  to  pardon.  Hatred  prevents  us 
from  forgiving  ;  the  laws  prevent  us  from  pardoning. 

iMen.  The  veins  unfilled,  our  blood  is  cold,  and  then 
We  pout  upon  the  morning,  are  unapt 

To  give  or  to  forgive Coriolanus,  v.  1. 

Five  hundred  poor  I  have  in  yearly  pay, 
Who  twice  a  day  their  withered  hands  hold  up 
Toward  heaven,  to  pardon  blood 

Henry  F.,  iv.  1 
Let  weakness  then  with  weakness  come  to  parle, 
So  near  related,  or  the  same  of  kind 

Thine  forgive  mine S.  A.,  787. 

confessed 

Humbly  their  faults,  and  pardon  begged 

P.  L.,  X.  1101. 

a  fault  so  natural 

(Even  with  the  young,  the  hopeful,  or  the  gay) 
For  prompt  forgiveness  will  not  sue  in  vain. 

<  Tour  in  Scothtnd.^J 

Exercise. 
Simnel  having  confessed  his  imposture,  and  publicly  begged 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES. 


209 


degraded  to  a  mean  office  in  the  king's  household,  in  which  employment  ho 
soon  afterwards  died. 

The  wretched  wife,  on  hearing  that  her  husband  was  condemned,  imme- 
diately undertook  a  journey  on  foot  to  the  capital,  where,  throwing  herself 
at  the  king's  feet,  she  implored for  her  husband. 

The  little  girl  shewed  such  unequivocal  signs  of  sorrow  for  her  fault,  that 

her  mother  was  induced  to her  ;  telling  her,  however,  that  she  would 

not  find  her  so  lenient  again  under  similar  circumstances. 

The  unfortunate  brother,  now  an  outcast  and  a  wanderer  on  the  face  of 
the  earth,  was  so  fearful  of  his  father's  just  anger  at  his  conduct,  that  he 

despaired  of  ever  obtaining ,  and  determined  never  again  to  return 

home. 

Though  numerous  apphcations  were  made  for  the  prisoner's ,  they 

were  all  ineffectual,  the  government  having  determined  to  make  an  exam- 
ple of  the  next  that  should  be  guilty  of  a  like  offence. 

"  What  better  can  we  do  than  prostrate  fall 
Before  him  reverent,  and  there  confess 

Humbly  our  faults,  and beg ;  with  tears 

Watering  the  ground  ?" 

"  A  being  who  has  nothing  to in  himself,  may  reward  every  man 

according  to  his  works." 

He  whose  very  best  actions  must  be  seen  with  a  grain  of  allowance,  can- 
not be  too  mild,  moderate,  and ing. 


To  grow — to  become. 

To  become  is  to  be  one  thing  from  having  been  another  ;  it 
always  has  reference  to  a  previous  state  :  io  grow  is  to  be  ap- 
proaching towards  another  state.  A  man  is  become  old  v^hen 
he  is  of  a  certain  age  ;  a  man  grows  old  when  he  is  verging 
towards  that  age.  To  grow  is  to  become  by  degrees.  To 
grow  is  continuous ;  to  become  is  stationary.  A  dying  man 
grows  weaker  every  hour :  a  patient  who  has  suffered  much 
pain  is  become  very  weak. 

{Ant.  But  when  we  in  our  viciousness  grow  hard 
(0  misery  on't  I)  the  wise  gods  seel  our  eyes. 

Ant.  and  Cleop.f  iii.  11. 

Sooth,  thy  angel 

Becomes  a  Fear,  as  being  overpowered 

Id.,  ii.  3. 

the  stars  grow  high ; 

But  night  sits  monarch  ept  in  the  mid-sky. 

ComuSy  956 

18* 


210  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 


-  who,  for  thee  ordained 


A  help,  became  thy  snare P.  i.,  xi.  163 

My  heart  leaps  up  when  I  behold 
A  rainbow  in  the  sky— : 
•  So  was  it  when  my  life  began ; 

So  is  it  now  I  am  a  man ; 
So  be  it  when  I  shall  grow  old. 
Or  let  me  die  ! 

Wordsworth.    '  On  the  Period  of  Childhood  * 

when  a  damp 

Fell  round  the  path  of  Milton,  in  his  hand 
The  Thing  became  a  trumpet ;  whence  he  blew 
Soul-animating  strains— alas  too  few  ! 

Wordsworth.    *  Miscel.  Sonnets.* 
Within  the  soul  a  faculty  abides, 
That  with  interpositions,  which  would  hide 
And  darken,  so  can  deal  that  they  become 
Contingencies  of  pomp  ;  and  serve  to  exalt 
Her  native  brightness. *  The  Excursion,^  iv.] 

Exercise, 

We  should  not  only  never  forget,  but  we  should  be  deeply  impressed  with 
the  reflection,  that  as  we older,  it  is  our  duty  to  more  vir- 
tuous. 

The  Lord  breathed  iut»  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life,  and  man a 

living  soul. 

Our  old  coachman  is  almost  recovered  from  his  late  attack,  and  is  now 
stronger  every  day. 

All  eyes  were  now  intently  fixed  on  the  horizon :  a  faint  light  glimmered 
in  the  east,  which  gradually  unfolded  to  our  sight  the  whole  expanse  of  the 

ocean ;  it  soon brighter  ;  the  stars,  one  by  one, extinct ;  and 

at  length  the  glorious  god  of  day,  rousing  himself  from  his  golden  couch, 
stepped  majestically  forth  from  the  waters,  and  stood  confessed  before  our 
wondering  and  delighted  eyes. 

During  his  youth,  there  never  was  a  more  liberal  or  more  hospitable  man ; 

but  towards  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  he  penurious  and  reserved, 

and  at  last  wholly  withdrew  from  society. 
.  *'  About  this  time,  Savage's  nurse,  who  had  always  treated  him  as  her 
own  son,  died ;  and  it  was  natural  for  him  to  take  care  of  those  effects, 
which,  by  her  death,  were,  as  he  imagined, his  own." 

"  Authors,  like  coins, dear  as  they old." 


To  hate — to  detest. 
Hate,  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  hcBte,  describes  the  active  feel- 
ing of  dislike,  together  with  that  agitation  of  the  spirits  which 
accompanies  every  strong  passion ;  detest,  from  the  Latip  de- 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  211 

testor,  is  a  more  intensive  degree  of  hate  ,*  it  calls  on  others 
<to  bear  witness  to  its  hatred.  Hate  is  "  deep,  not  loud  ;"  de- 
jtestation  is  communicative,  and  always  expressed.  What  we 
begin  by  hating,  we  may  end  by  detesting.  Those  who  en- 
deavour to  injure  others  are  hated  ;  those  who  secure  their  own 
ipower  on  the  ruin  of  others  are  detested.  Malice  is  hateful ; 
hypocrisy  is  detestable. 

iChar.  In  time  we  hate  that  which  we  often  fear. 

Ant.  and  Cleop.j  I.  3. 

Ant.                       Since  Cleopatra  died, 
I  have  lived  in  such  dishonour  that  the  gods 
Detest  my  baseness. Id.,  iv.  12. 

-  and  add  thy  name, 


O  Sun,  to  tell  thee  how  I  hate  thy  beams.       P.  L.,  iv.  3"* 

nor  ever  saw  till  now 

Sight  more  detestable  than  him  and  thee.        Id.,  ii.  745.] 

Exercise. 

Duplicity  and  cunning  deserve  to  be ;  they  may  escape   letection 

!or  a  time,  but  are  sure,  in  the  end,  to  be  brought  to  light. 

We  are  commanded  not  to any  man ;  there  are,  however,  many 

jnalities  which  we  are  justified  not  only  in ,  but  even  in . 

Some  young  persons  are  so  fond  of  expressing  themselves  hyperbolically, 
that  they  never  condescend  to  use  common  terms ;  whatever  they  entertain 

my  dislike  or  disinclination  to  they  declare  that  they .     Not  long 

lince,  I  heard  a  young  lady  protest  that  she steel  forks .' 

Though  we  ought  to no  one,  it  is  not  possible  that  we  should  love 

lU  equally. 

*'  Who  dares  think  one  thing,  and  another  tell, 

My  heart him  as  the  gates  of  hell." 

The  character  of  Catiline  is  admirably  drawn  by  Sallust,  who  describes 
lim  as  possessed  of  the  greatest  talents,  and  yet  plunged  in  the  deepest  ex- 

and  committing  the  most crimes. 

"  Your  majesty  hath  no  just  cause  to me." 

"  Brutus the  oppression  and  the  oppressor." 

"  A  bard  was  selected  to  witness  the  fray, 
And  tell  future  ages  the  feats  of  the  day ; 

A  bard  who all  sadness  and  spleen, 

And  wished  that  Parnassus  a  vineyard  had  been." 


To  hear — to  listen. 
The  same  difference  exists  between  to  hear  and  to  listen 
that  may  be  found  between  to  see  and  to  look ;  «.  e.  they  are  sy- 


212  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

nonymes  of  degree.  Listening  is  an  intensive  degree  of  hear- 
ing. We  hear  involuntarily  ;  we  listen  with  intention.  Those 
who  have  sound  ears  cannot  help  hearing.  We  may  hear 
persons  talking  without  listening  to  what  they  say.  If  you 
listen  to  a  conversation,  you  may  hear  many  improving  re- 
marks. 

[Macb.  Listening  their  fear,  I  could  not  say,  amen, 
****** 

Methought,  I  heard  a  voice  cry.  Sleep  no  more  I 

Macbeth^  ii.  2. 

the  heavenly  tune,  which  none  can  hear 

Of  human  mould,  with  gross  unpurged  ear. 

Milton.    Arcades^  72. 
Listen  for  dear  honour's  sake, 
Goddess  of  the  silver  lake  ; 

Listen  and  save  !  Comus,  864. 

1  listened,  motionless  and  still ; 
And,  as  I  mounted  up  the  hill. 
The  music  in  my  heart  I  bore, 
Long  after  it  was  heard  no  more. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Solitary  Redfsr,* 

' I  have  seen 

A  curious  child,  who  dwelt  upon  a  tract 

Of  inland  ground,  applying  to  his  ear 

The  convolutions  of  a  smooth-lipped  shell ; 

To  which,  in  silence  hushed,  his  very  soul 

Listened  intensely ;  and  his  countenance  soon 

Brightened  with  joy  ;  for  from  within  were  heard 

Murmurings,  whereby  the  monitor  expressed 

Mysterious  union  with  its  native  sea. 

Even  such  a  shell  the  universe  itself 

Is  to  the  ear  of  Faith )  *  The  Excursiony''  iv.J   ,  -^ 

Exercise, 

On  entering  the  harbour,  we a  loud  explosion,  which  seemed,  from 

its  intensity,  to  have  taken  place  at  no  great  distance  from  us.     We 

attentively,  thinking  it  might  be  repeated,  but  we nothing  more. 

There  is  an  old  proverb :  " never any  good  of  themselves." 

This  saying  does  not  apply  to  all ,  but  only  to  those  who  are  curious 

to what  it  is  not  proper  that  they  should  know. 

When  the  prisoners  were  led  across  the  drawbridge  into  the  castle,  and 

the  heavy  portcullis  fall  behind  them  as  they  entered  the  yard,  their 

hearts  sank  within  them,  and  each  felt  that  he  should  never  leave  that  pris- 
on alive. 

Though  they with  all  possible  attention,  they  were  so  far  from  the 

preacher,  that  they  could  not a  syllable  of  the  sermon. 

All  discipline  was  now  at  an  end,  and  such  din  and  confusion  ensued,  that 
even  those  who  were  desirous  to  preserve  order,  and  obey  their  officers,  could 
not the  word  of  command. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  213 

One  who  is  really  deaf  cannot ;  one  who  is  deaf  to  your  entrea- 
ties will  not to  them. 

"  I  looked,  I ;  dreadful  sounds  I , 

And  the  dire  forms  of  hostile  gods  appear." 

*•  When  we  have  occasion  to ,  and  give  a  more  particular  attention 

to  some  sound,  the  tympanum  is  drawn  to  a  more  than  ordinary  tension." 


To  lament — to  deplore. 
These  two  words  represent  different  circumstances  of  grief: 
we  lament  with  exclamation  ;  we  deplore  with  tears.  Lamen- 
tations are  accompanied  with  sobs  and  cries.  In  deploring, 
our  grief  is  expressed  by  weeping.  Violent  grief  produces 
j  lamentation  ;  deep  grief  causes  us  to  deplore.  What  is  la- 
jmentable  excites  a  strong  expression;  what  is  deplorable  ex- 
!  cites  a  strong  feeling.  We  lament  loudly  ;  we  deplore  deeply. 
The  cries  of  a  bird  hovering  round  the  nest  from  which  her 
|iyoung  have  been  stolen  are  lamentable.  A  mother  deplores 
the  death  of  her  son. 

[Vol.  Leave  this  faint-puling,  and  lament  as  I  do, 
In  anger,  Juno-like. Coriolanus,  iv.  2. 

Vio.  never  more 

"Will  I  my  master's  tears  to  you  deplore.  Twelfth  Night f  iii.  1. 

Thus  Adam  to  himself  lamented  loud, 

Through  the  still  night ; P.  L.,  x.  845. 

1  waked 

To  find  her,  or  forever  to  deplore 

Her  loss iJ,,  viii.  479. 

Babylon, 

Learned  and  wise,  hath  perished  utterly, 

Nor  leaves  her  speech  one  word  to  aid  the  sigh 

That  would  lament  her. Wordsworth.    *  Eccles.  Sonnets,^ 

Full  oft  our  human  foresight  I  deplore  ; 
Trembling,  through  my  unworthiness,  with  fear 
That  friends,  by  death  disjoined,  may  meet  no  more  ! 

*  Poems  on  the  Affections.*'] 

Exercise. 

"  The  wounds  they  washed,  the  pious  tears  they  shed, 

And  laid  along  their  oars, the  dead." 

"  But  let  not  chief  the  nightingale 

Her  ruined  care,  too  delicately  framed 
To  brook  the  harsh  confinement  of  the  cage." 
**  This  was  the condition  to  which  the  king  was  reduced." 


214  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

He  who — ,  grieves  aloud  ;  he  who ,  grieves  silently 

We an  honorable,  we a  disgraceful  misfortune. 

"  Hence  we  may  have  some  idea  of  the  state  of  learning  in  that 

kingdom." 

**  We,  long  ere  our  approaching,  heard  within 
Noise,  other  than  the  sound  of  dance  or  song ! 

Torments,  and  loud ,  and  furious  rage." 

"  In  this  interval  of  anguish  and  expectation,  she  came  to  take  her  last 

farewell  of  her  husband  and  deliverer,  her  wretched  fate  that  had 

saved  her  from  perishing  in  the  waters  to  be  the  spectator  of  still  greater 
calamities." 

"  The  victors  to  their  vessels  bear  the  prize. 
And  hear  behind  loud  groans  and cries." 


To  overcome — to  conquer. 
By  overcoming,  we  prove  our  superiority  or  mastery.  By 
conquering,  we  acquire  possession.  An  enemy  is  conquered ; 
an  antagonist  is  overcome.  Those  who  are  taken  prisoners 
are  conquered ;  those  who  prove  unequal  to  the  contest  are 
overcome.  Alexander  the  Great  conquered  the  Persians,  after 
having  overcome  Darius  in  three  great  battles.  William  the 
First  conquered  the  English.  In  his  march  across  the  Alps, 
Hannibal  overcame  every  difficulty. 

lAnt,  That  day  he  overcame  the  Nervii.       Julius  Casar^  ill.  2. 

C(Bs. for  what  I  have  conquered 

I  grant  him  part ;  but  then,  in  liis  Armenia, 
And  other  of  his  conquered  kingdoms,  I 

Demand  the  like, Ant.  and  Cleop.y  iii.  tt 

courage  never  to  submit  or  yield, 

And  what  is  else  not  to  be  overcome.  P.  Z«.,  i.  109. 

The  conquered  also  and  enslaved  by  war 

Shall,  with  their  freedom  lost,  all  virtue  lose,   /i.,  xi.  797. 

Such  dismal  service,  that  the  loudest  voice 

Of  the  swoln  cataracts  (which  now  are  heard 

Soft  murmuring)  was  too  weak  to  overcome, 

Though  aided  by  wild  winds,  the  groans  and  shrieks 

Of  human  victims '  Tlie  Excursion,^  ix. 

He  conquering,  as  in  joyful  Heaven  is  sung, 
He  conquering  through  God,  and  God  by  him. 

'  Sonnets  to  National  Independence^ 

Exercise, 

*'  There  are  sometimes  little  misfortunes  and  accidents  that  happen  lU 
poor  people,  which,  of  themselves,  they  could  never  be  able  to .** 

I 


ON    ENGLISH    SVNONYMES.  215 

"  They  had them,  and  brought  them  under  tribute." 

"  When  a  country  is  completely ,  all  the  people  are  reduced  to  the 

condition  of  subjects." 

"  That  he  no  less 

At  length  may  find,  who 

By  force,  hath but  half  his  foe." 

Alexander  is  said  to  have  wept  at  the  idea  that  there  were  no  more  worlds 

to . 

"  The  patient  mind  by  yielding ." 

"  When  these  happy  tidings  were  communicated  to  her,  the  poor  woman's 

feelings  were  quite ,  and  she  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears." 

"  If  it  were  possible  for  a  man  to all  his  passions,  and all 

his  prejudices,  we  should  look  upon  such  a  person  as  being  the  nearest  con- 
ceivable approach  to  a  perfect  character." 

"  Not  to  be was  to  do  more 

Than  all  the  conquests  former  kings  did  g£un." 
"  Welcome,  great  Stagirite,  and  teach  me  now 
All  I  was  bom  to  know. 
Thy  scholar's  victories  thou  dost  outdo : 
He th'  earth,  the  whole  world  you." 


j.  To  perceive — to  discern. 

To  discern  expresses  that  act  by  which  the  eye  is  enabled 

to  separate  one  object  from  among  several,  and  to  consider  it 

apart  from  the  rest.    To  perceive  signifies  that  act,  performed  by 

!  the  eye,  by  which  an  object  at  some  distance  is  brought  to  make 

I  an  impression  on  the  mind.    Perceiving  has  reference  to  objects 

of  the  same  sort ;  discerning,  to  one  among  many  of  a  different 

I  sort  from  itself.     I  perceive  trees  or  houses  at  a  distance  ;  I 

!  discern  a  steeple  among  houses,  or  a  river  in  a  landscape. 

The  same  distinction  holds  good  in  the  abstract  sense  of  the 

two  words.     We  perceive  the  truth  of  a  proposition  which, 

I  perhaps,  did  not  at  first  strike    us  obviously.     A  sagacious 

j  mind  can  discern  truth  though  it  be  mixed  up  with  falsehood 

or  hypocrisy. 

iDes.  I  do  perceive  here  a  divided  duty  Othello,  i.  3. 

Mon,  What  from  the  cape  can  you  discern  at  sea  1 

Id.y  ii.  1 
And  they,  so  perfect  in  their  misery, 
Not  onoe  perceive  their  foul  disfigurement  Comus,  74. 


216  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

And  in  his  garland,  as  he  stood  I 

Ye  might  discern  a  cypress  bud.  I 

Milton.    Epitaph  on  March :  Winchester 

of  all  the  mighty  world 

Of  eye  and  ear,— both  what  they  half  create 

And  what  perceive Wordswobth.    *  Tintern  Abbey.'* 

the  discerning  intellect  of  Man, 

When  wedded  to  this  goodly  universe 
In  love  and  holy  passion,  shall  find  these 
A  simple  produce  of  the  common  day. 

'  Preface  to  the  Excursion.^l 

Exercise. 

Long  before  our  vessel  had  reached  the  shore,  I  could the  tall  elms 

which  skirt  our  home -field. 

Walking  along  the  road,  I ,  coming  towards  me,  a  crowd  of  chil- 
dren dressed  in  their  holiday  suits,  each  carrying  an  oak-branch  in  his  hand. 

I  soon that  the  chief's  intentions  towards  me  were  hostile ;  and 

slipping  out  unobserved,  I  withdrew  hastily  from  the  conference. 

The  style  of  the  writers  of  that  age  is  so  obscure  and  affected,  and  at  the 
same  time  so  diffusive,  that  it  is  no  easy  matter,  amidst  so  many  defects,  to 
any  meaning  in  their  writings. 

"  One  who  is  actuated  by  party  spirit  is  almost  under  an  incapacity  of 

either  real  blemishes  or  beauties." 

"  And  lastly,  turning  inwardly  her  eyes, 
how  all  her  own  ideas  rise." 

"  Great  part  of  the  country  was  abandoned  to  the  plunder  of  the  soldier% 

who  not  troubling  themselves  to between  a  subject  and  a  rebel,  whilst 

their  liberty  lasted,  made  indifferently  profit  of  both." 


To  raise — to  lift. 

To  raise  is  to  place  upright.  To  lift  is  to  take  from  the 
ground.  That  which  is  lifted  is  no  longer  in  contact  with  its 
under  support.  What  is  raised  stands  erect,  but  still  touches 
the  ground.  If  we  lift  a  child  who  has  fallen,  we  take  him  in 
our  arms  ;  if  \^e  raise  a  child  who  has  fallen,  we  make  him 
stand  on  his  legs^J  In  a  secondary  sense,  the  same  difference* 
exists.  Devotion  lifts  the  soul  to  heaven.  "This  gentleman 
came  to  be  raised  to  great  titles." 

iMon.  I  will  raise  her  statue  in  pure  gold.    Romeo  and  Juliet,  v.  3. 

Rom.  an  unaccustomed  spirit 

Lifts  me  above  the  ground  with  cheerful  thoughts. 

Id.,  v.  1. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  217 

him  the  gentle  angel  by  the  hand 

Soon  raised P.  L.,  xi.  421. 

their  songs 

Divide  the  night,  and  lift  our  thoughts  to  heaven. 

Id.f  iv.  688. 
Lords  of  the  visionary  eye  whose  lid, 
Once  raised,  remains  aghast,  and  will  not  fall ! 

WoEDswoRTH.    *  DtonJ' 

t„  the  bulk 

»  Of  ancient  minster  lifted  above  the  cloud 

Of  the  dense  air,  which  town  or  city  breeds 

To  intercept  the  sun's  glad  beams *  Tke  Excursiorij^  vi.3 

Exercise. 

Antaeus  was  a  mighty  giant  and  wrestler  in  Libya,  whose  strength  was 
invincible  as  long  as  he  remained  in  contact  with  his  mother  earth.    Hercules 

discovered  the  source  of  his  strength, him  up  from  the  earth,  and 

crushed  him  in  the  air. 

When from  tli©  ground,  he  was  so  weak  that  he  could  not  stand 

upright,  and  was  obliged  to  be  supported  home  by  two  men. 
"  Now  rosy  morn  aftcends  the  courts  of  Jove, 

up  her  light,  and  opens  day  above." 

As  the  little  girl  was  too  short  to  see  what  was  going  on  in  the  gardens, 

her  father her  up  in  his  arm* 

The  ladder  was  so  heavy,  that  it  requu-ed  four  men  to it  against 

the  building. 

"  I  would  have  our  conceptions by  dignity  of  thought  and  sublimity 

of  expression,  rather  than  by  a  train  of  robes  or  a  plume  of  feathers." 

By  his  great  natural  powers,  aided  by  industry  and  perseverance,  he  was 

flo  esteemed  and  respected  that  he  was  at  last to  the  highest  dignities 

ol  the  state. 
U  "  Hark !  was  there  not 

A  murmur  as  of  distant  voices,  and 
The  tramp  of  feet  in  martial  unison  ? 

What  phantoms  even  of  sound  our  wishes !" 

"  The  mind,  by  being  engaged  in  a  task  beyond  its  strength,  like  the  body 
strained  by ing  a  weight  too  heavy,  has  often  its  force  broken." 


To  receive — to  accept, 
\  To  accept  is  a  voluntary — to  receive  an  involuntary  act.  We 
cannot  help  receiving,  but  we  are  not  obliged  to  accept  what 
is  sent  to  us.  That  is  received  which  simply  comes  to  hand; 
that  is  accepted  which  we  express  our  willingness  to  take  for 
ourselves.     Thus,  we  receive  a  letter  when  it  comes  to  haiid| 

19 


218  PRACTICAL    EXERCBSE:? 

we  receive  news  when  it  reaches  us ;  we  accept  a  presenl 
which  is  offered  us ;  we  accept  an  invitation  to  dine  with  t 
friend,  &c. 

[  JJlys. like  a  gate  of  steel 

Fronting  the  sun,  receives  and  renders  back 

His  figure  and  his  heat. Troih  and  Cress.,  i.  3. 

Ner. you  should  refuse  to  perform  your  father's  will,  if  you  should  refuse 

to  accept  him.  Merchant  of  Venice,  i.  2 

who,  if  we  knew 

What  we  receive,  would  either  not  accept 

Life  offered,  or  soon  beg  to  lay  it  down.         P.  L.,  xi.  505 

But  he  had  felt  the  powei 

Of  Nature,  and  already  was  prepared, 

By  his  intense  conceptions,  to  receive 

Deeply  the  lesson  deep  of  love  which  he. 

Whom  Nature,  by  whatever  means,  has  taught 

To  feel  intensely,  cannot  but  receive.  *  The  Excursion,*  i» 

Nor  for  their  bodies  would  accept  release  ; 

But  blessing  God  and  praising  him,  bequeathed 

With  their  last  breath,  from  out  the  smouldering  flame, 

The  faith  which  they  by  diligence  had  earned 

Or  through  illuminating  grace,  received 

For  their  dear  countrymen,  and  all  mankind. 

Id.y  vi.i 

Exercise. 

No  further  intelligence  of  his  proceedings  had  been up  to  the  mid- 
dle of  last  month. 

He  was  of  so  independent  a  character,  that  though  deeply  involved  in 

pecuniary  difficulties,  he  did  not  think  proper  to the  offer  of  a  friend 

to  assist  him. 

The  last  accounts  we of  our  friends  in  India  are  most  satisfactory. 

The  minister,  rising,  said  that  he with  pride  and  satisfaction  the 

token  of  their  friendship  which  they  had  that  day  offered  him. 

The  whole  party  succeeded  in  reaching  Tinian  in  about  three  weeks, 

where  they  were with  the  greatest  hospitality,  and  were  treated  with 

all  the  kindness  and  attention  their  deplorable  condition  required. 

The  conditions  offered  by  Caesar,   and by  Cassivelaunus,  were, 

that  he  should  send  to  the  continent  double  the  number  of  hostages  at  first 
demanded,  and  acknowledge  subjection  to  the  Romans. 

"  The  sweetest  cordial  we at  last. 

Is  conscience  for  our  virtuous  actions  past." 

*'  Unransomed  here the  spotless  fair, 

—  the  hecatomb  the  Greeks  prepare." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  219 


To  remark — to  observe. 

To  remark  is  to  note  down  casually ;  to  observe  is  to  note 

down  intentionally.     A  slight  degree   of  attention  will  call 

forth  a  remark.     An  observation  is  the  result  of  inquiry.     We 

often  cannot  help  remarking ;  but  in  observing,  we  direct  our 

attention  specially  to  some  object.     A  remark  will  very  fre- 

:i  quently  lead  to  an  observation.     A  phenomenon  in  the  heavens 

i  may  be  remarked  by  a  casual  spectator,  but  will  be  observed 

i  by  an  astronomer.     A  remark  is  momentary  ;  an  observation 

occupies  more  time. 

ILov.  of  two 

The  most  remarked  in  the  kingdom. Henry  VIIL,  v.  1. 

Bang.  Wliere  they 

Most  breed  and  haunt,  I  have  observed,  the  air 

Is  delicate Macbeth,  i.  6. 

as  when  by  night  the  glass 

Of  Galileo,  less  assured,  observes 

Imagined  lands  and  regions  in  the  moon.  P.  L.,  v.  262. 

Where  knowledge,  ill  begun  in  cold  remark 

On  outward  things,  with  formal  inference  ends. 

*  TVie  Excursiorif^  iv. 
It  was  our  occupation  to  observe 
Such  objects  as  the  waves  had  tossed  ashore— 

'  Poems  on  Naming  of  Places.^] 

Exercise, 

*> 

"  It  was  also of  Cromwell,  that  though  bom  of  a  good  family, 

both  by  father  and  mother,  and  although  he  had  the  usual  opportunities  of 
education  and  breeding  connected  with  such  an  advantage,  he  never  could 
acquire  the  courtesies  usually  exercised  among  the  higher  classes  in  their  in- 
tercourse with  each  other." 

*  "It  should,  however,  be ,  that  Cromwell  made  religion  harmonize 

with  his  ambition." 

"  It  is  easy  to what  has  been ,  that  the  names  of  simple 

ideas  are  least  liable  to  mistake." 

"  I  have  often  had  occasion  to the  fortitude  with  which  women 

I  sustain  the  most  overwhelming  reverses  of  fortune." 

•  "  Othello  is  the  vigorous  and  vivacious  offspring  of impregnated  by 

genius." 

"  The  course  of  time  is  so  visibly  marked,  that  it  is even  by 

birds." 

.  "  The  rules  of  our  practice  are  taken  from  the  conduct  of  such  persons 
as  fall  within  our ." 


220  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  We  may children  disoDurse  and  reason  correctly  on  many  suht 

jects  at  a  comparatively  early  age." 


To  remember — to  recollect. 
We  remember  what  has  happened  without  any  great  effort ; 
we  recollect  after  some  exertion  of  the  memory.  When  the 
idea  of  some  past  occurrence  presents  itself  spontaneously  to 
the  mind,  that  occurrence  is  remembered  ;  but  when,  after 
everal  attempts,  an  idea  becomes  clear  and  distinct,  it  is  then 
recollected.  It  will  therefore  be  more  proper  to  say — "  I  do 
not  remember" — and,  "I  cannot  recollect." 

[North.  his  tongue 

Sounds  ever  after  as  a  sullen  bell 

Remembered  knoUing  a  departing  friend.         2  Henry  IV.,  1.  1. 

Duke. it  did  relieve  my  passion  much ; 

More  than  light  airs  and  recollected  terms.       Twelfth  Nighty  ii.  4. 

Remember  with  what  mild 

And  gracious  temper  he  both  heard  and  judged, 

P.  L.,  X.  1046 

he,  his  wonted  pride 

Soon  recollecting Id.,  i.  528. 

-  the  scene  that  lay- 


Before  our  eyes,  awakened  in  my  mind 
Vivid  remembrance  of  those  long-past  hours. 


'  The  Excursion,^  vii. 


crossing  the  career 

Of  recollections  vivid  as  the  dreams 

Of  midnight *  Desultory  Stanzas.'] 

Exercise. 

"  I  have  been  trying  to ,"  said  he,  "  all  the   circumstances  of 

that  eventful  day  ;  but  I nothing  more  than  what  I  have  already  re- 
lated to  you." 

I perfectly  what  occurred  up  to  a  certain  point  of  time ;  but  I 

cannot what  took  place  afterwards. 

There  died  lately  at  Hampstead,  a  gentleman  named  Thompson,  wlio 
was  endowed  with  such    an   extraordinary   power  of   memory,  that  ho 

,  and  could  accurately  describe  all  the  most  minute  objects  in  any 

street  or  road  he  had  once  passed  through ;  and  that  after  a  considerable 
lapse  of  time. 

Those  who  have  ready  memories  learn  easily,  but  do  not ;  those 

whose  memories  are  retentive  have  but  little  difficulty  in what  they 

have  once  learnt. 


7 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  221 

No  one  can what  occurred  to  him  during  the  first  six  cr  soveu 

months  of  his  life. 

Do  you what  I  said  to  you  this  morning  ? 

"  We  are  said  to any  thing,  when  the  idea  of  it  arises  in  the  mind 

with  a  consciousness  that  we  have  had  this  idea  before." 

" every  day  the  things  seen,  heard,  or  read,  which  make  any  ad- 
dition to  your  understanding." 


To  reveal — to  divulge. 
To  reveal  is  to  make  known  what  is  conceiled,  by  with- 
drawing what  covered  it.  To  divulge  is  to  spread  abroad  the 
knowledge  of  what  is  revealed.  A  man  reveals  his  secret  to 
his  friend ;  that  friend  divulges  the  secret  by  making  it 
generally  known.  What  is  once  revealed  is  likely  to  become 
soon  divulged.  What  is  revealed  is  imparted  to  one  or  to  a 
few ;  what  is  divulged  is  made  known  to  many.  We  reveal 
to  ease  our  conscience  or  our  feelings  ;  we  divulge  what  ought 
to  remain  concealed. 

[Ham.  You  will  reveal  it.  Hamlety  i.  5. 

King.  like  the  owner  of  a  foul  disease, 

To  keep  it  from  divulging,  let  it  feed 

Even  on  the  pith  of  life W.,  ir.  1. 

The  secrets  of  another  world,  perhaps 

Not  lawful  to  reveal P.  L.,  v.  570. 

when  God 

Looking  on  the  earth,  with  approbation  marks 
The  just  man,  and  divulges  him  through  heaven 

To  all  his  angels P.  JR.,  ill.  62. 

the  ruddy  crest  of  Mars 

Amid  his  fellows  beauteously  revealed 

At  happy  distance  from  earth's  groaning  field 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  National  Independence.* 

a  tragic  history 

Of  facts  divulged <  The  White  Doe  of  Rylstone. 

Exercise, 

These  facts,  though  they  occurred  so  many  years  ago,  were  never  — — 
to  any  but  two  persons,  who  have  most  religiously  kept  the  secret  ever 
since. 

"  The  cabinets  of  the  sick,  and  the  closets  of  the  dead,  have  been  ran- 
sacked to  publish  private  letters,  and to  all  mankind  the  most  secret 

sentiments  of  friendship." 

Time,  which all  other  things  and  brings  them  to  light,  is  itself  the 

most  difficult  of  all  things  to  be  understood. 

19* 


2^22  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The  mystery  attached  to  the  "  Man  in  the  Iron  Mask"  has  never  been 
cleared  up,  and  though  innumerable  conjectures  have  been  made  of  who  he 
was,  his  name  has  never  been to  the  world. 

Conscious  of  the  disgrace  it  would  bring  upon  his  family  if  it  should  be 
known  that  he  was  implicated  in  this  dreadful  transaction,  he  steadily  and 
constantly  refused  to his  name. 

Though  no  less  than  forty  persons  were  privy  to  the  escape  of  Charles 
II.,  and  concerned  in  aiding  his  flight,  not  one  of  them his  secret. 

"  In  confession,  the ing  is  not  for  worldly  use,  but  for  the  ease  of 

a  man's  heart." 

"  These  answers  in  the  silent  night  received. 
The  king  himself ,  the  land  believed." 


To  satisfy — to  satiate. 
Those  who  have  enough  are  satisfied;  those  who  have 
more  than  enough  are  satiated.  They  who  do  not  require 
more  are  satisfied ;  they  who  feel  that  they  have  had  too 
much  are  satiated.  What  nature  requires  is  to  be  satisfied  ; 
ghittons  satiate  themselves.  To  satisfy  brings  pleasure  ;  to 
satiate  causes  disgust.  Injudicious  mothers  frequently  allow 
their  children  to  satiate  themselves.  Satisfaction  is  necessary 
to  preserve  a  healthy  appetite  ;  satiety  destroys  health. 

[Jach.  That  satiate  yet  unsatisfied  desire, 
That  tub  both  filled  and  running Cymheline,  1.  7. 

Seh.         let  us  satisfy  our  eyes 

With  the  memorials,  and  the  things  of  fame 

That  do  renown  this  city.  Twelfth  Nighty  iii.  3, 

How  fully  hast  thou  satisfied  me,  pure 

Intelligence  of  heaven,  angel  serene  !  Pi.,  viii.  180. 


-  but  if  much  converse  perhaps 


Thee  satiate,  to  short  absence  I  could  yield.     Id.y  ix.  248. 

nor  hide  his  theory 

That  satisfies  the  simple  and  the  meek, 
Blest  in  their  pious  ignorance,  though  weak 
To  cope  with  Sages  imdevoutly  free. 

Wordsworth.    *  Tour  1833. 

while  the  imperial  City's  din 

Beats  frequent  on  thy  satiate  ear.  *  The  River  DuddonJZ 

Exercise. 

"  Whatever  novelty  presents,  children  are  presently  eager  to  taste,  and 

are  as  soon with  it." 

She  told  me  that  both  herself  and  her  children  suffered  extremely  from 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  223 

hung«r,  for  that  the  miserable  pittance  her  husband  gained  was  not  suffi- 
cient to  procure  them  wherewith  to the  natural  cravings  of  the  ap- 
petite. 

There  is  no  action,  the  usefulness  of  which  has  made  it  a  duty,  which  a 
roan  may  not  bear  the  continual  pursuit  of,  without  loathing  or . 

I  am  far  from  being with  the  account  he  gives  of  the  transaction, 

and  believe  that  he  knows  much  more  about  the  affair  than  he  chooses  to 
disclose. 

"  He  leaves  a  shallow  plash  to  plunge  him  in  the  deep, 
And  with seeks  to  quench  his  thirst." 

A  hungry  man  will  be  always with  plain  food. 

with  pleasures,  and  disgusted  at  the  ingratitude  of  those  he  had 

thought  his  friends,  he  suddenly  resolved  to  retire  to  a  monastery,  there  to 
compensate,  by  a  life  of  penance  and  mortification,  for  the  excesses  of  his 
past  years. 


To  see — to  look. 
To  see  is  the  simple  act  of  using  the  organ  of  sight ;  to  loctk 
is  to  direct  that  organ  to  some  particular  object.  Those  who 
have  their  eyes  open  cannot  help  seeing  ;  but  to  look  implies 
an  act  of  the  will.  I  see  the  light,  or  any  objects  which  are 
casually  in  the  way  of  my  eyes  ;  I  look  at  something  with  a 
view  to  examine  its  nature  or  qualities.  If  you  look  at  the 
sun,  you  may  see  the  spots  on  its  surface.  The  two  words 
have  the  same  difference  of  meaning  when  used  in  a  second- 
ary sense :  On  looking  at  the  question,  he  saw  the  difficulties 
with  which  it  was  surrounded. 

[For.  That  light,  we  see,  is  bumiag  in  ray  hall. 
How  far  that  little  candle  throws  his  beams ! 
So  shines  a  good  deed  in  a  naughty  world.    Merchant  of  Venice,  V.  1 

Lor. Look,  how  the  floor  of  heaven 

Is  thick  inlaid  with  patines  of  bright  gold  ; 

There's  not  the  smallest  orb,  which  thou  behold'st, 

But  in  his  motion  like  an  angel  sings 

Still  quiriRg  to  the  young-ey'd  cherubins :     Id 

As  I  bent  down  to  look,  just  opposite 

A  shape  within  the  watery  gleam  appeared 

Bending  to  look  on  me  :  I  started  back. 

It  started  back  ;  but  pleased  I  soon  returned, 

Pleased  it  returned  as  soon  with  answering  looks 

Of  sympathy  and  love  ;  ther«  I  had  fixed 

Mine  eyes  till  now,  and  fixed  with  vain  desire, 

ilad  not  a  voice  thus  warned  me  :  What  thou  seest, 

What  there  thou  seest,  fair  creature,  is  thyself 

P.  L.,  Iv.  460. 


224  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


-  a  pensive  instantaneous  gleam 


Startles  the  pensive  traveller  whila  he  treada 

His  lonesome  path,  with  unobserving  eye 

Bent  earthwards ;  he  looks  up— the  clouds  are  split 

Asunder, — and  above  his  head  he  sees 

The  clear  Moon,  and  the  glory  of  the  heavens. 

Wordsworth.    '  A  Night-PUee  * 
O  terror !  what  hath  she  perceived  ?— O  joy  I 
What  doth  she  look  on  ?— whom  doth  she  behold ' 
Her  Hero  slain  upon  the  beach  of  Troy  ? 

*  Laodamia.^ 

Exercise. 

Wlien  his  father me,  he that  I  was  much  agitated* 

There  is  a  great  deal  to  be ,  but  little  worth . 

On the  weathercock,  I that  the  \Tiiid  had  changed. 

On  ascending  the  hill,  we  a  man  standing  in  a  melancholy  atti- 
tude,   wistfully  on  the  ground.     Raising  his  eyes,  he us  for 

Bome  moments  with  an  expression  of  eager  hope  ;  at  length, that  we 

did  not  intend  to  give  him  any  thing,  he  walked  silently  away. 

this  system  comprehensively,  we  may  easily that  it  will 

never  work  well. 

We the  whole  affair  as  a  fraudulent  design,  and from  the 

beginning  that  it  would  never  succeed. 

Martin's  "  Deluge" — it  is  the  naost  simple  of  his  works — it  is  per- 
haps also  the  most  awful. 

"  They  climb  the  next  ascent,  and — ing  down, 

Now  at  a  nearer  distance  view  the  town." 

One around  sufRced  him  ;  his  face  brightened,  he  tittered  a  cry 

<rf  joy. 


Should —  Ought. 
Both  these  words  imply  an  obligation ;  but  ought  binds  more 
strongly  than  should.  What  we  should  do  is  a  social  obliga- 
tion ;  but  what  we  ought  to  do  implies  a  moral  obligation  on 
our  part.  We  ought  to  love  our  parents  ;  we  ought  to  respect 
(  jT  superiors.  We  should  be  neat  and  clean  in  our  persons, 
und  kind  to  our  inferiors  :  we  ought  always  to  speak  the  truth. 
We  should  avoid  giving  offence  ;  we  ought  to  obey  the  laws. 

[Macb.  She  should  have  died  hereafter ; 

Macbeth,  V.  5. 
Elb.  —  that  good  christians  ought  to  have. 

Meas.for  Meas.,  ii.  1 
For  still  they  kne  a^,  and  ought  to  have  still  remembered 
The  high  injunction  not  to  taste  that  fruit. 

P.  L.,  X.  12. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  225 

But  how  can  he  expect  that  others  should 
Build  for  him,  sow  for  him,  and  at  his  call 
Love  him,  who  for  himself  will  take  no  heed  at  all  ? 

Wordsworth.    *  Resolution  and  Independence.^ 

Grant  that  Spring  is  there 

In  spite  of  many  a  rough  untoward  blast, 
Hopeful  and  promising  with  buds  and  flowers ; 
Yet  where  is  glowing  Summer's  long  rich  day, 
That  ought  to  follow  faithfully  expressed  ? 

*  The  Excursion,^  v.] 

Exercise, 

You never  to  forget  the  kindness  he  has  shewn  you,  and  how 

much  you  are  indebted  to  him  for  many  of  the  advantages  you  now  enjoy. 

In  writing,  you take  care  that  the  letters  be  perfectly  formed,  and 

well  joined  together. 

We to  consider  it  our  duty  to  bear  with  the  moral  failings  of  oth- 
ers, when  we  remember  that  we  are  all  weak  creatiu-es,  and  are  easily  led 
into  temptation. 

In  accomplishing  any  design,  or  completing  any  work  of  importance,  we 
proceed  systematically  and  regularly. 

He  whose  honor  is  intrusted  with  a  secret  never  to  divulge  it : 

no  circumstances make  him  consider  it  excusable  to  communicate  it 

to  a  single  individual. 

Exercises be  written  carefully  and  neatly,  and never  be 

shewn  to  the  teacher  till  they  are  corrected,  as  far  as  possible,  by  the  pupil. 

Judges to  remember  that  their  office  is  to  interpret  law,  and  not 

to  make  or  give  law. 


To  slake — to  quench. 
To  slake  (from  the  Saxon  verb  slacian,  to  slacken)  is  to 
quench  partially.  To  quench  is  from  the  Saxon  cwencan,  and 
means  to  put  out  entirely.  He  who  slakes  his  thirst  takes 
sufficient  liquid  to  prevent  great  inconvenience.  He  who 
quenches  his  thirst  takes  enough  to  fully  satisfy  his  desire  of 
drink.  The  same  difference  is  preserved  between  the  words 
when  used  in  a  moral  sense.  To  slake  desire  is  to  lessen  it ; 
to  quench  hatred  is  to  extinguish  it. 

iClif.  It  could  not  slake  mine  ire,  nor  ease  my  heart 
3  Henry  VI.,  1  3. 
0th.  If  I  :iuench  thee,  thou  flaming  minister, 
I  can  again  thy  former  light  restore.    Othello,  v.  2. 
To  slake  his  wrath  whom  sin  hath  made  our  foe 

Milton.    Ode,  it 


226  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Yet  years,  and  to  ripe  years  judgment  mature, 
Quench  not  the  thirst  of  glory,  but  augment. 

P.  R.y  iii.  38. 

The  traveller  slaked 

His  thirst  from  rill  or  gushing  fount,  and  thanked 

The  Naiad. *  The  Excursion,*  iT. 

The  trumpet  (we,  intoxicate  with  pride 

Arm  at  its  blast  for  deadly  wars) 

To  archangelic  lips  applied 

The  grave  shall  open,  quench  the  stars. 

*  On  the  Power  of  Sound.'J 

Exercise, 

Soon  after  the  fire  had  broken  out,  there  fell  a  heavy  shower  of  rain, 

which  effectually it,  and  prevented  any  damage,  beyond  the  loss  of 

the  furniture  in  one  or  two  rooms. 

"  Amidst  the  running  stream  he  his  thirst." 

"  A  little  fire  is  quickly  trodden  out, 
Which,  being  suffered,  rivers  cannot ." 

It  is  a  custom  in  many  parts  of  Ireland  to  the  fires  by  covering 

them  over  with  wet  coals  at  night  time ;  by  this  means,  they  bum  through 
the  whole  night  at  a  small  cost,  and  do  not  require  the  trouble  of  lighting 
afresh  in  the  morning. 

The  hatred  which  was  thus  unhappily  occasioned  between  these  two 
men  was  never  afterwards  wholly ,  and  they  lived  and  died  implaca- 
ble enemies. 

We  all  suffered  intensely  from  the  excessive  heat  and  drought ;  for  wa- 
ter was  so  scarce  ae  to  be  sold  at  four  or  five  shillings  the  pailful,  and  we 
were  often  whole  days  without  being  able  to  procure  a  drop  of  water  to 

our  thirst. 

"  You  have  already sedition's  brand." 

"  When  your  work  is  forged,  do  not it  in  water  to  cool  it,  but 

throw  it  down  on  the  floor  or  hearth  to  cool  of  itself." 


To  surprise — to  astonish. 
Both  these  words  imply  a  disturbing  of  the  senses.  To 
surprise  is  to  take  one  off  his  guard  ;  to  astonish  is  to  confound 
the  senses.  We  are  longer  in  recovering  from  astonishment 
than  from  surprise.  We  are  surprised  at  what  is  unexpected ; 
we  are  astonished  at  what  is  beyond  our  comprehension. 
Surprise  is  more  temporary ;  astonishment  more  lasting.  We 
are  taken  by  surprise ;  we  are  struck  with  astonishment. 
What  we  are  prepared  for  does  not  surprise  us ;  what  we  can 
conceive  clearly  does  not  astonish  us. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  22? 

iPro.  So  glad  of  this  as  they,  I  cannot  be 
Who  are  surprised  with  all Tempest,  iii.  1 

Casca.  When  the  most  mighty  gods,  by  tokens,  send 
Such  dreadful  heralds  to  astonish  us.    Julius  CoBsar^  i.  3 

surprised  with  deep  dismay 

At  these  sad  tidings P.  R.,  i.  108. 

they,  astonished,  all  resistance  lost 

All  courage P.  L.,  vi.  838. 

Surprised  by  joy— impatient  as  the  Wind 

£  turned  to  shar€  the  transport 

Wordsworth.    *  Miscel.  Sonnets? 

Had  this  effulgence  disappeared 

With  flying  haste,  I  might  ha\^  sent 

Among  the  speechless  clouds,  a  look 

Of  blank  astonishment.  *  Everting  Voluntaries?} 

Exercise^ 

**  So  little  do  we  accustom  ourselves  to  consider  the  eCect  of  time, 
that  things  necessary  and  certain  often  us  like  unexpected  con- 
tingencies." 

"  I  have  often  been ,  con^dering  that  the  mutual  intercourse  be- 
tween the  two  countries  (France  and  England)  has  lately  been  very  great, 
to  find  how  little  you  seem  to  know  of  us." 

"  But  the  chief  merit  of  this  great  man  (Michael  Angelo)  is  not  to  be 
sought  for  in  the  remains  of  his  pencil,  nor  even  in  his  sculptures  ;  but  in 

the  general  improvement  of  the  public  taste  v/hich  followed  his ing 

productions." 

"  The  greatest  actions  of  a  celebrated  pereon,  however and  ex- 
traordinary, are  no  more  than  what  are  expected  from  him." 

" at  the  voice,  he  stood  amazed, 

And  all  around  with  inward  horror  gazed." 

"  You  see,  I  am  just  to  my  word  in  writing  to  you  from  Paris,  where  I 
was  very  much to  meet  my  sister.    I  need  not  add,  very  much 


"  We  crossed  a  large  tract  of  land ly  fruitful." 

"  Cromwell  was  not  the  meteor  which and  astounds  by  the  bril- 

iiancy  and  rapidity  of  its  course." 

**  It  is  the  part  of  men  to  fear  and  tremble. 
When  the  most  mighty  gods,  by  tokens,  send 
Such  dreadful  heralds  to us." 


To  understand — to  comprehend. 
To  understand  is  to  have  the  free  use  of  our  reasoning 
faculty ;  to  be  able  to  see  the  relation  between  cause  and  ef- 


228  PRACnCAL  EXERCISES 

feet,  or  the  fitness  of  things  for  each  other.  To  comprehena 
requires  a  stronger  exertion  of  intellect.  We  understand 
what  is  stated  in  plain  terms  ;  we  comprehend  what  at  first 
appeared  obscure.  I  may  understand  the  words  of  a  sen- 
tence without  being  able  to  comprehend  its  meaning.  The 
understanding  is  employed  upon  practical  questions  ;  the  com- 
prehension, upon  theoretical  systems,  or  speculative  truths. 
A  simple  fact  is  understood.  To  arrive  at  a  conclusion  by  a 
process  of  reasoning,  we  must  comprehend. 

[3Iacb. You  seem  to  understand  me, 

By  each  at  once  her  choppy  finger  laying 

Upon  her  skinny  Jips. Macbeth,  i.  3. 

The.  Such  shapmg  fantasies,  that  apprehend 
More  than  cool  reason  ever  comprehends. 

Midsum.  N.  Dream,  v.  1, 

a  hideous  gabble  rises  loud, 

Among  the  builders  ;  each  to  other  calls 

Not  understood P.  L,,  xii.  58. 

What  words  or  tongue  of  seraph  can  suffice, 
Or  heart  of  man  suffice  to  comprehend. 

Id.,  vii.  114. 
That  poor  men's  children,  they,  and  they  alone. 
By  their  condition  taught,  can  understand 
The  wisdom  of  the  prayer  that  daily  asks 

For  daily  bread. *  Tke  Excursion^*  It. 

Who  comprehends  his  trust,  and  to  the  same 
Keeps  faithful  with  a  singleness  of  aim. 

*  Character  of  the  Happy  Warrior.} 

Exercise, 

When  a  man  speaks  in  a  language  with  which  we  are  unacquainted,  we 

cannot  what  he  says :    when  a  man  speaks  in  a  language  we 

,  but  expresses  himself  loosely  and  inaccurately,  we  cannot 

his  meaning. 

Natural  signs  are  a  language  universally . 

It  is  impossible  to the  nature  of  God. 

There  are  many  things  which  the  mind  of  man  is  unable  to . 

Though  he  — several  languages,  and  is  very  accomplished,  he  has 

not  yet  been  able  to  procure  any  occupatioix 

The  language  of  a  lecturer  who  does  not  fully his  subject  must, 

of  necessity,  be  unintelligible  to  his  hearers. 

Men  often  commit  great  injustice  in  condemning  what  they  have  not 
capacity  to . 

"  What  they  cannot  immediately  conceive,  they  consider  as  too  high  to 
be  reached,  or  too  extensive  to  be ." 

"Swift   pays  no  court  to  the  passiong,    he   excites   neither  surpris© 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  229 


nor  admiration  ;  he  always himself,  and  his  readers  always  - 

him." 

**  Our  finite  knowledge  cannot 

The  principles  of  an  unbounded  sway." 


Adjacent — Contiguous, 
Places  that  are  adjacent  lie  near  to  each  other ;  places  that 
are  contiguous  lie  close  to  each  other.  Two  fields  which 
have  a  common  boundary  are  contiguous.  Places  that  are 
adjacent  to  each  other  may  yet  have  something  intervening. 
Places  that  are  contiguous  must  touch  each  other.  Hampstead 
and  Highgate  are  adjacent  to  London.  The  houses  in  Port- 
land-place are  contiguous  to  each  other. 

[Eno.  A  strange  invisible  perfume  hits  the  sense 

Of  the  adjacent  wharfs. Ant.  and  Cleop.y  ii.  2. 

At  once  the  Four  spread  out  their  starry  wings 

With  dreadful  shade  contiguous P.  L.,  vi.  828. 

How  feelingly  religion  may  be  learned 

In  smoky  cabins,  from  a  mother's  tongue — 

Heard  while  the  dwelling  vibrates  to  the  din 

Of  the  contiguous  torrent *  The  Excursion,^  iv.] 

Exercise. 

"  They  have  been  beating  up  for  volunteers  at  York,  and  the  towns 

but  nobody  will  list.'* 

"  We  arrived  at  the  utmost  boundaries  of  a  wood  which  lay to  a 

plain." 

"  And  now  the  odours,  fanned  by  a  gentle  wind  creeping  from  the 

sea,  scattered  themselves  over  that  chamber,  whose  walls  vied  with  the 
richest  colours  of  the  most  glowing  flowers." 

*•'  Where,  then,  ah  !  where  shall  poverty  reside, 

To  'scape  the  pressure  of pride  ?" 

^  "  This  is  more  particularly  the  case  with  the  comities to  London, 

over  which  the  Genius  of  gardening  exercises  his  power  so  often  and  so 
wantonly,  that  they  are  usually  new-created  once  in  twenty  or  thirty  years, 
and  no  traces  left  of  their  former  condition." 

"  The  loud  misrule 
Of  Chaos  far  removed  ;  lest  fierce  extremes 

might  distemper  the  whole  frame." 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  March,  1844,  not  only  the  town  itself, 

but  all  the villages,  felt  a  violent  shock  of  an  erj^hquake. 

**  Flame  does  not  mingle  with  flame,  as  air  does  with  air,  but  only  re- 

aaains  — " 

20 


232  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  He  that  is  envious  or  angry  at  a  virtue  that  is  not  his  own,  is  not - 

of  the  virtue,  but  of  its  reward  and  reputation,  and  then  his  intentions  a 
polluted." 

"  Nothing  lies  on  his  hands  wiii  such  uneasiness  as  time.    Wretched  ai 

thoughtless  creatures !     In  the  only  place  where were  a  virtue,  v 

turn  prodigals." 

"  At  last  Swift's grew  too  powerful  for  his  kindness ;  he  wou 

refuse  his  friends  a  bottle  of  wine." 


Different —  Various, 

It  has  been  said  that  no  two  things  in  nature  are  exact] 
alike.  The  words  to  be  here  distinguished  express  degree 
of  their  unlikeness.  Various  marks  the  dissimilarity  of  tl 
species.  Different  shows  the  unlikeness  existing  in  general 
Things  are  infinitely  various ;  that  is,  it  is  impossible  to  em 
merate  all  the  points  in  which  they  vary.  We  cannot,  hov 
ever,  say  that  things  are  infinitely  different,  because  this  woi 
more  exactly  defines  the  point  of  unlikeness.  The  flowers  c 
a  rose-bush  will  be  various  in  size  and  shape,  and  will  I 
different  from  the  flowers  of  the  pink  or  dahlia.  Differei 
people  think  diflierently.  A  subject  aflfects  the  minds  of  me 
variously,  when  they  all  entertain  the  same  opinion  of  it  in  tt 
main,  but  not  in  detail :  it  affects  them  differently,  when  sona 
entertain  an  opinion  of  it  totally  opposed  to  that  of  others. 

[Fri.  Many  for  many  virtues  excellent, 
None  but  for  some,  and  yet  all  different 

Rom.  and  Juliet,  ii.  3. 
But  if  there  be  in  glory  aught  of  good 
It  may  by  means  far  cUfferent  be  attained. 
Without  ambition,  war  or  violence       P.  R.,  iii.  89 
Then  herbs  of  every  leaf,  that  sudden  flowered 

Opening  their  various  colours P.  i.,  vii.  318. 

We  struggle  with  our  fate, 

While  health,  power,  glory,  from  their  height  decline, 
Depressed ;  and  then  extinguished :  and  our  state 
In  this,  how  different,  lost  Star,  from  thine. 
That  no  to-morrow  shall  our  beams  restore. 

Wordsworth.    '  Miscel.  Sonnets, 
The  tears  of  man  in  various  measure  gush 
From  various  sources  ; *  Eccles.  Sonnets.^} 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  233 

Exercise. 

The  two  men  were  as from  each  other  as  it  was  possible.     The 

one,  open,  frank,  liberal,  and  kind  to  his  friends  and  companions ;  the  other, 
close,  mean,  avaricious,  and  unfeeling. 

"  There  are  upwards  of  a  hundred species  of  fern,  but  they  are 

seldom  cultivated  in  gardens." 

"  Happiness  consists  in  things  which  produce  a. pleasure,  and  in  the  ab- 
sence of  those  which  cause  any  pain:   now  these,  to  men,  are 

things." 

"  Then  they  were  known  to  men  by names. 

And idols  through  the  heathen  world." 

The  northern  languages  of  modern  Europe  may  be  divided  under  three 
■  heads,  viz.,  Celtic,  Teutonic,  and  Sclavonic. 


"  It  is  astonishing  to  consider  the degrees  of  care  that  descend 

from  the  parent  to  the  young,  so  far  as  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  leaving 
a  posterity." 

As  land  is  improved  by  sowing  it  with seeds,  so  is  the  mind  by  ex- 
ercising it  with studies. 


I: 


Evident — Obvious, 
What  is  clearly  proved  is  evident ;  what  proves  itself  is  ob- 
vious. The  latter  is  a  stronger  term  than  the  former.  It 
requires  some,  though  not  a  great  effort  of  the  mind,  to  per- 
ceive what  is  evident ;  what  is  obvious  requires  no  stretch  of 
the  mind  to  understand — it  presents  itself  to  our  view — ^nay, 
thrusts  itself  upon  our  notice.  Intuitive  truths  are  obvious  ; 
deduced  truths  become  evident.  It  is  evident  that  two  straight 
lines  cannot  inclose  a  space ;  it  is  obvious  that  the  whole  is 
greater  than  its  part. 

lEmil.  your  goodness  is  so  evident 

That  your  free  undertaking  cannot  miss 

A  thriving  issue Winter^s  Tale,  11.  2. 

in  our  faces  evident  the  signs       P.  L.,  ix.  1077. 

the  conscience  of  her  worth,  * 

That  would  be  woo'd,  and  not  unsought  be  won, 
Not  obvious,  not  obtrusive,  but  retired 

The  more  desirable Id.y  viii.  504 

That  obvious  emblem  giving  to  the  eye 
Of  meek  devotion  which  erewhile  it  gave. 
That  symbol  of  the  day-spring  from  on  high, 
Triumphant  o'er  the  darkness  of  the  grave. 

Wordsworth.      Rydal  Chape*,  j 

20* 


232  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  He  that  is  envious  or  angry  at  a  virtue  that  is  not  his  own,  is  not — • 

of  the  virtue,  but  of  its  reward  and  reputation,  and  then  his  intentions  are 
polluted." 

"  Nothing  lies  on  his  hands  w'lii  such  uneasiness  as  time.    Wretched  and 

thoughtless  creatures !     In  the  only  place  where were  a  virtue,  we 

turn  prodigals." 

"  At  last  Swift's grew  too  powerful  for  his  kindness ;  he  would 

refuse  his  friends  a  bottle  of  wine." 


Different —  Various. 

It  has  been  said  that  no  two  things  in  nature  are  exactly 
alike.  The  words  to  be  here  distinguished  express  degrees 
of  their  unlikeness.  Various  marks  the  dissimilarity  of  the 
species.  Different  shows  the  unlikeness  existing  in  generals. 
Things  are  infinitely  various ;  that  is,  it  is  impossible  to  enu- 
merate all  the  points  in  which  they  vary.  We  cannot,  how- 
ever, say  that  things  are  infinitely  different,  because  this  word 
more  exactly  defines  the  point  of  unlikeness.  The  flowers  on 
a  rose-bush  will  be  various  in  size  and  shape,  and  will  be 
different  from  the  flowers  of  the  pink  or  dahlia.  Different 
people  think  differently.  A  subject  affects  the  minds  of  men 
variously,  when  they  all  entertain  the  same  opinion  of  it  in  the 
main,  but  not  in  detail :  it  affects  them  differently,  when  some 
entertain  an  opinion  of  it  totally  opposed  to  that  of  others. 

[Fru  Many  for  many  virtues  excellent, 
None  but  for  some,  and  yet  all  different 

Rom.  and  Juliet,  ii.  3. 
But  if  there  be  in  glory  aught  of  good 
It  may  by  means  far  different  be  attained, 
Without  ambition,  war  or  violence       P.  R.,  iii.  89 
Then  herbs  of  every  leaf,  that  sudden  flowered 

Opening  their  various  colours P.  i.,  vii.  318. 

We  struggle  with  our  fate,  i 

While  health,  power,  glory,  from  their  height  decline, 

Depressed ;  and  then  extinguished :  and  our  state 

In  this,  how  different,  lost  Star,  from  thine,  j 

That  no  to-morrow  shall  our  beams  restore. 

Wordsworth.    *  Miscel.  Sonnets, 
The  tears  of  man  in  various  measure  gush 
From  various  sources  ; '  Eccles.  Sonnets.^1 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  233 

Exercise, 

The  two  men  were  as from  each  other  as  it  was  possible.     The 

one,  open,  frank,  liberal,  and  kind  to  his  friends  and  companions ;  the  other, 
close,  mean,  avaricious,  and  unfeeling. 

*'  There  are  upwards  of  a  hundred species  of  fern,  but  they  are 

seldom  cultivated  in  gardens." 

"  Happiness  consists  in  things  which  produce  a, pleasure,  and  in  the  ab- 
sence of  those  which  cause  any  pain:    now  these,  to  men,  are 

things." 

"  Then  they  were  known  to  men  by names. 

And idols  through  the  heathen  world." 

The  northern  languages  of  modern  Europe  may  be  divided  under  three 
-  heads,  viz.,  Celtic,  Teutonic,  and  Sclavonic. 


"  It  is  astonishing  to  consider  the degrees  of  care  that  descend 

from  the  parent  to  the  young,  so  far  as  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  leaving 
a  posterity." 

As  land  is  improved  by  sowing  it  with seeds,  so  is  the  mind  by  ex- 
ercising it  with studies. 


Evident —  Obvious, 
What  is  clearly  proved  is  evident ;  what  proves  itself  is  ob- 
vious. The  latter  is  a  stronger  term  than  the  former.  It 
requires  some,  though  not  a  great  effort  of  the  mind,  to  per- 
ceive what  is  evident ;  what  is  obvious  requires  no  stretch  of 
the  mind  to  understand — it  presents  itself  to  our  view — nay, 
thrusts  itself  upon  our  notice.  Intuitive  truths  are  obvious ; 
deduced  truths  become  evident.  It  is  evident  that  two  straight 
lines  cannot  inclose  a  space ;  it  is  obvious  that  the  whole  is 
greater  than  its  part. 

iEmil.  your  goodness  is  so  evident 

That  your  free  undertaking  cannot  miss 

A  thriving  issue Winter^ s  Tale,  ii.  2. 

in  our  faces  evident  the  signs       P.  L.,  ix.  1077. 

the  conscience  of  her  worth, 

That  would  be  woo'd,  and  not  unsought  be  won. 
Not  obvious,  not  obtrusive,  but  retired 

The  more  desirable Id.j  viii.  504 

That  obvious  emblem  giving  to  the  eye 
Of  meek  devotion  which  erewhile  it  gave. 
That  symbol  of  the  day-spring  from  on  high. 
Triumphant  o'er  the  darkness  of  the  grave. 

Wordsworth.      Rydal  Chape*.  J 
20* 


234  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

"  It  is to  remark  that  we  follow  nothing  heartily  unless  carried  to 

it  by  inclination." 

"  It  is that  fame,  considered  merely  as  the  immortality  of  a  name, 

is  not  less  likely  to  be  the  reward  of  bad  actions  than  of  good." 

"  These  sentiments,  whether  they  be  impressed  on  the  soul,  or  arise  as 

reflections  of  our  reason,  I  call  natural,  because  they  have  been 

found  in  all  ages." 

"  It  is in  the  general  frame  of  nature,  that  things  most  manifest 

unto  sense  have  proved  obscure  unto  the  understanding." 

"All  the  great  lines  of  our  duty  are  clear  and ,  the  obligation  ac 

knowledged,  and  the  wisdom  of  complying  with  it  freely  confessed." 

"They  are  incapable  of  making  conquests  upon  their  neighbours,  whjch 
is to  all  who  know  their  constitution." 

"  They  are  such  lights  as  are  only to  every  man  of  sense,  who 

loves  poetry  and  understands  it." 

"  The  printing  private  letters  is  the  worst  sort  of  betraying  conversation^'j 
as  it  has ly  the  most  extensive  ill  consequences." 


Forsaken — Forlorn, 
Forlorn  is  the  intensive  of  forsaken.     When  we  are  forsa-^ 
ken,  we  are  partially  deprived  of  society ;  the  forlorn  are  de* 
prived  of  all  society  and  help.     Forsaken  also  refers  to  the| 
act  of  those  who  abandon  ;  forlorn  qualifies  the  state  of  th^ I 
abandoned.     The  forsaken  are  no  longer  visited  by  formef| 
friends  ;  the  forlorn  are  cared  for  by  no  one.     Things,  plac^ 
&c.,  as  well  as  persons,  are  forsaken  ;  only  persons  are 
lorn. 

[France.  Most  choice,  forsaken  ;  and  most  loved,  despised. 

King  LeaVf  i.  1. 
Prin.  To  some  forlorn  and  naked  hermitage, 
Remote  from  all  the  pleasures  of  the  world. 

Lovers  Labour  Lost,  v.  2 
the  rathe  primrose  that  forsaken  dies 

Milton.    '  Lycidas ' 
The  nodding  horrour  of  whose  shady  brows 
Threats  the  forlorn  and  wandering  passenger 

Comus. 
The  world  forsaken,  all  its  busy  cares 
And  stirring  interests  shunned  with  desperate  flight, 
All  trust  abandoned  in  the  healing  might 

Of  virtuous  action Wordsworth.    *  Tour  in  Italy.* 

Yet  how  forlorn,  should  ye  depart 
Ve  superstitions  of  the  heart, 

How  poor  were  human  life !  *  Presentiments.^] 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  235 

Exercise, 
Conscience  made  them  recollect  tha^  they  who  had  once  been  deaf  to  the 

supplications  of  a  brother  were  now  left  friendless  and . 

"  But  fearful  for  themselves,  my  countrymen 

Left  me in  the  Cyclops'  den." 

*'  For  here and  lost  I  tread, 

With  fainting  steps  and  slow. 
Where  wilds  immeasurably  spread 
Seem  lengthening  as  I  go." 

London  is  at  this  period  of  the  year  quite .     In  the  west  end  of  the 

iS^n,  the  private  houses  are  almost  all  shut  up,  and  no  gay  equipages  strike 
the  eye  of  the  passenger. 

Last  summer  you  frequently  came  to  see  us,  but  now  you  have  quite 
us. 


The  apartments  and  gardens  remain  in  the  nicest  order,  and  though  the 

tiUa  is ,  it  is  not  neglected. 

"  Disastrous  day  !  what  ruin  hast  thou  bred. 
What  anguish  to  the  living  and  the  dead  ! 

How  hast  thou  left  the  widow  all ." 

"  Their  purple  majesty, 
And  all  those  outward  shows  which  we  call  greatness, 

Languish  and  droop,  seem  empty  and , 

And  draw  the  wond'ring  gazers'  eyes  no  more." 


General —  Universal. 
General  bears  the  same  proportion  to  universal  as  the  part 
to  the  whole.  The  former  qualifies  the  majority  ;  the  latter, 
every  individual.  A  general  rule  has  exceptions  ;  a  universal 
irule  has  none.  General  is  opposed  to  particular  ;  universal 
!to  individual.  The  chief  object  of  a  good  government  should 
\^  to  secure  the  general  welfare  of  the  community.  Universal 
{prosperity  never  yet  existed  in  any  country. 

[Mach.  As  broad  and  general  as  the  casing  air. 

Macbeth,  iii.  4. 
Chor.  A  largess  universal,  like  the  Sun 
His  liberal  eye  doth  give  to  every  one. 

Henry  F.,  iv.    {Chorus., 

forthwith  from  all  winds 

The  living,  and  forthwith  the  cited  dead 
Of  all  past  ages,  to  the  general  doom 

Shall  hasten P.  Z,.,  lit.  328. 

while  universal  Pan 

Knit  with  the  Graces  and  the  Hours  in  dance 
Led  on  the  eternal  spring. W.,  iv.  266. 


236  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Creatures  that  in  communities  exist, 

Less,  as  might  seem,  for  general  guardianship 

Or  through  dependence  up6n  mutual  aid. 

Than  by  participation  of  delight 

And  a  strict  love  of  fellowship,  combined. 

*  The  Excursion  *  iv. 

the  mild  assemblage  of  the  starry  heavens  ; 

And  the  great  sun,  earth's  universal  lord  !  Id."] 

Exercise. 

*'  To  conclude  from  particulars  to is  a  jalse  way  of  arguing." 

"  What,  cried  I,  is  my  young  landlord,  then,  the  nephew  of  a  mauwhos* 

virtues,  generosity,  and  singularities  are  so ly  known  ?" 

"  Nor  failed  they  to  express  how  much  they  praised, 

That  for  the safety  he  despised 

His  own." 

"  I  have  considered  Milton's  *  Paradise  Lost'  in  the  fable,  the  characteis, 

the  sentiments,  and  the  language  ;  and  have  shewn  that  he  excels,  in 

under  each  of  these  heads." 

"  Divine  laws  and  precepts,  simply  and  formally  moral,  are in 

spect  of  persons,  and  in  regard  of  their  perpetual  obligation." 

"  This  excellent  epistle,  though  in  the  front  of  it  it  bears  a  particular  in- 
scription, yet  in  its  drift  is ,  as  designing  to  convince  all  mankind  of 

the  necessity  of  seeking  for  happiness  in  the  Gospel." 

"  The ty  of  the  English  have  such  a  favorable  opinion  of  treasofii 

nothing  can  cure  them." 

"  The  wisest  were  distracted  with  doubts,  while  the ^ty  wandered 

without  any  ruler  " 


Idle — Indolent. 

The  expression  "  an  idle  child"  does  not  mean  one  who  is^ 
altogether  inactive,  but  one  who  occupies  his  time  in  frivoli- 
ties. An  indolent  child  is  one  who  has  a  strong  aversion  from., 
action  of  any  sort.  The  idle  do  not  what  they  ought  to  do  ; 
the  indolent  would  do  nothing.  The  idle  boy  does  not  learn 
his  lesson  ;  the  indolent  boy  lies  in  bed  late,  and  lounges 
about  all  day.  Idleness  is  opposed  to  diligence  ;  indolence, 
to  activity.  The  idle  want  steadiness  of  purpose  ;  the  indo- 
lent want  power  of  exertion. 

[ The  murmuring  surge, 

That  on  the  unnumbered  idle  pebbles  chafes, 
Cannot  be  heard  so  high.  King  Lear,  iv.  6. 

other  creatures  all  day  long 

Rove  idle,  unemployed,  and  less  need  rest. 

P.  L.,  iv.  617. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES  237 

The  happy  idleness  of  that  sweet  mom 
With  all  its  lovely  images,  was  changed 
To  serious  musing  and  to  self-reproach. 

Wordsworth.    *  On  Narning  of  Places.'' 

who  might  mistake  for  sober  sense 

And  wise  reserve  the  plea  of  indolence. 

*  Poems  on  National  Independence. ^2 

Exercise. 

"  Nothing  is  so  opposite  to  the  true  enjoyment  of  life  as  the  relaxed  and 
feeble  state  of  an mind." 

" and  vice,  then,  are  the  chief  parents  of  crime  and  distress.     But 

j  how,  in  so  industrious  a  country,  arises  the  indifference  to  toil  ?     The  an- 

I  swer  is  obvious — wherever is  better  remunerated  than  labour, 

becomes  contagious,  and  labour  hateful." 

In  the luxuries  of  a  court,  what  more  natural  than  satiety  among 

the  great,  and  a  proud  discontent  among  their  emulators  ? 

"  Supposing  among  a  multitude  embarked  in  the  same  vessel,  there  are 
several  that,  in  a  tempest,  will  rather  perish  than  work ;  would  it  not  be 

madness  in  the  rest  to  stand ,  and  rather  choose  to  sink  than  do  more 

tiian  comes  to  their  share  ?" 

"  Children  generally  hate  to  be ;  all  the  care,  then,  is  that  their 

busy  humour  should  be  constantly  employed  in  something  of  use  to  them." 

The  Frankish  kings,  buried  in  luxurious ,  resigned  the  administra- 
tion of  their  affairs  into  the  hands  of  officers,  who,  after  a  time,  assumed  the 
regal  authority,  and  founded  a  new  dynasty. 


Miserable —  Wretched. 
A  miserable  man  is  one  who  is  to  be  pitied  or  despised  on 
account  of  his  feelings  or  state  of  mind ;  a  wretched  man  is  one 
to  be  pitied  by  reason  of  his  condition.  We  are  miserable  in 
consequence  of  our  own  reflections.  It  is  what  we  suffer  from 
external  circumstances  that  makes  us  wretched.  A  condemned 
felon  is  both  miserable  and  wretched ;  miserable,  from  his  state 
of  mind,  and  wretched,  from  the  circumstances  in  which  he  is 
placed.  The  miserable  and  the  wretched  are  both  deserving 
of  pity ;  the  wretched,  more  so  than  the  miserable,  as  wretch- 
edness is  the  extreme  of  misery. 

iK.  Hen.       Get  you  therefore  hence, 

Poor  miserable  wretches,  to  your  death. 

Henry  V.,  ii.  2. 
Lear.  As  full  of  grief  as  age  ;  wretched  in  both  I 

King  Lear  J  ii.  4 


238  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

O  miserable  mankind,  to  what  fall 
Degraded,  to  what  wretched  state  reserved ! 

P.  2/.,  xi.  500. 

A  dismal  prospect  yields  the  wild  shore  strewn 

With  wrecks,  and  trod  by  feet  of  young  and  old 

Wandering  about  in  miserable  search 

Of  friends  or  kindred,  whom  the  angry  sea 

Restores  not  to  their  prayer !  *  The  Excursion,^  v. 

O,  never  let  the  Wretched,  if  a  choice 

Be  left  him,  trust  the  freight  of  his  distress 

To  a  long  voyage  on  the  silent  deep !         Id.,  iii.] 

Exercise, 

Robinson  Crusoe,  when  wrecked  on  his  uninhabited  island,  was •.  9^ 

the  thoughts  of  his  being  cut  ofF  from  all  human  intercourse,  and  separateij; 

from  the  whole  world  ;  and  the  idea  of  his and  forlorn  conditi(MlL^ 

frequently  drew  from  him  expressions  of  the  bitterest  grief. 

Though  I  have  seen  poverty  in  many  forms,  I  never  beheld,  in  any 

part  of  the  world,  such beings  as  the  poor  cottagers  in  the  south  6f 

Ireland. 

"  Thus  to  relieve  the was  his  pride, 

And  e'en  his  failings  leaned  to  virtue's  side." 

He  felt at  reflecting  upon  the  misfortunes  he  had  unconsciously 

brought  upon  an  amiable  family. 

"  Man,   considered  in  himself,  is  a  very  helpless  and  a  very  

being." 

It  was  discovered  the  next  morning  that  the man  had  committ^' 

suicide. 

'Tis  murmur,  discontent,  distrust, 
That  makes  you . 

"  Reason  tells  me  that  it  is  more  misery  to  be  covetous  than  to  be  poofi 
as  our  language,  by  a  peculiar  significance  of  dialect,  calls  the  covetous  man] 
the man." 


Modem — Recent, 
The  v^^ord  recent  refers  to  what  has  happened  within  a  com-  ^ 
paratively  short  space  of  time  past — that  which  has  been 
some  time,  but  not  a  long  time,  in  existence  ;  the  word  modern 
refers  not  only  to  what  has  been,  but  what  §till  does,  and 
will  probably  remain,  in  existence  for  some  time.  Recent  is 
contradistinguished  from  what  is  long  past ;  modern  is  opposed  . 
to  ancient.  Recent  is  always  used  abstractly  ;  modern,  in 
both  senses.  Recent  facts  are  fresh  in  our  memory ;  modem 
fashions  belong  to  the  present  day. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  239 

[Many  are  the  sajrings  of  the  wise, 
In  ancient  and  in  modem  books  enrolled, 
Extolling  patience  as  the  truest  fortitude. 

S.  A.,  653. 

subjected  to  the  arts 

Of  modem  ingenuity,  and  made 

The  senseless  member  of  a  vast  machine 

'  The  Excursion^*  ix 

when  golden  beams, 

Reflected  through  the  mists  of  age,  from  hours 

Of  innocent  delight,  remote  or  recent, 

Shoot  but  a  little  way — 'tis  all  they  can, — 

Into  the  doubtful  future. *  Tour  in  Italy.''] 

Exercise. 

experiments  have  proved  beyond  a  doubt,  that  it  is  not  only  pos- 
sible, but  very  easy,  to  freeze  water  in  a  red  hot  crucible. 

"  Some  of  the  ancient,  and  likewise  of  the  writers,  that  have 

laboured  in  natural  magic,  have  noted  a  sympathy  between  the  sun  and 
certain  herbs." 

On  his  arrival  at  court,  he  found  that,  in  consequence  of changes 

m  the  administration  of  the  king's  household,  it  would  be  necessary  for  him 
1»  wait  at  leeist  a  week  or  ten  days  before  he  could  obtain  an  audience  of 
his  majesty. 

"  A Italian  is  distinguished  by  sensibility,  quickness,  and  art, 

while  he  employs  on  trifles  the  capacity  of  an  ancient  Roman ;  and  ex- 
hibits now,  in  the  scene  of  amusement,  and  in  search  of  a  frivolous  ap- 
plause, that  fire  and  those  passions  with  which  Gracchus  burned  in  the 
Torum,  and  shook  the  assemblies  of  a  severe  people." 

Some regulations  of  the  minister  have  made  him  very  unpopular 

in  this  part  of  the  country. 


Scarce — Rare. 
That  of  which  there  is  at  no  time  much  to  be  procured,  or  which 
is  seldom  to  be  met  with,  is  rare.  That  of  which  there  is  oc- 
casionally but  a  small  quantity  is  scarce.  Certain  plants  are 
rare  in  England ;  that  is,  they  are  seldom  found  in  this  coun- 
try. A  bad  harvest  will  make  corn  scarce.  Scarce  implies 
a  previous  plenty,  which  is  not  the  case  with  rare.  Rare 
qualifies  what  is  a  subject  of  curiosity,  or  novelty;  scarce 
I  qualifies  what  is  an  article  of  necessity.  Things  are  rare, 
!  and  may  become  scarce.  Rare  is  used  metaphorically ,  scarce 
is  never  so  used. 


240  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

IGaunt.  Where  words  are  scarce,  they  are  seldom  spent  in  vain. 

Rich.  II.,  ii,  1 
K.  Hen.  If  thy  rare  qualities,  sweet  gentleness^ 
Thy  meekness  saint-like,  wife-like  government 

Henry  VIII.,  ii.  4 
Or  what,  though  rare,  of  later  age 
Ennobled  hath  the  buskined  stage. 

Milton.    *  II  Penseroso ' 

rare,  at  least. 

The  mutual  aptitude  of  seed  and  soil 

That  yields  such  kindly  product. '  The  Excursion.,^  v. 

Exercise. 

"A  perfect  union  of  wit  and  judgment  is  one  of  the est  things  in 

the  world." 

"  When  any  particular  piece  of  money  grew  very ,  it  was  often 

recoined  by  a  succeeding  emperor." 

"  Already  it  is  difficult  to  determine  whether  his  (Michael  Angelo's) 
reputation  be  enhanced  or  diminished  by  the  sombre  representations  of  his 
pencil,  in  the  Pauline  and  Sistine  chapels,  or  by  the  few  specimens  of  his 

cabinet  pictures,  now ly  to  be  met  with,  and  exhibiting  only  a. 

shadow  of  their  original  excellence."  I 

"  A  Swede  will  no  more  sell  you  his  hemp  for  less  silver,  because  you" 

tell  him  silver  is er  now  in  England,  than  a  tradesman  of  London 

will  sell   his  commodity  cheaper  to  the  Isle  of  Man,  because  money  is 
there." 

"  Far  from  being  fond  of  any  jflower  for  its ity,  if  I  meet  with  any 

in  a  field  which  pleases  me,  I  give  it  a  place  in  my  garden." 

"  Corn  does  not  rise  or  fall  by  the  differences  of  more  or  less  plenty  of 
money,  but  by  the  plenty  and ity  that  God  sends." 


Silent —  Taciturn . 
Taciturnity  is  an  intensive  silence.  A  silent  man  is  one 
who  does  not  speak ;  a  taciturn  man  is  one  who  scarcely  ever 
speaks.  We  may  be  silent  without  being  taciturn.  Silent 
respects  the  act ;  taciturn  the  habit.  Circumstances  may 
make  us  silent ;  our  disposition  inclines  us  to  be  taciturn. 
The  English  have  a  reputation  for  taciturnity.  There  are 
many  occasions  on  which  it  is  proper  to  be  silent ;  the  taci- 
turn lose  many  opportunities  of  information  from  their  disin- 
clination to  ask  questions.  Silent  is  opposed  to  speaking; 
taciturn,  to  loquacious.  The  taciturn  are  frequently  gloomy 
and  sullen. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  241 

tCor.  What  shall  Cordelia  do !    Love  and  be  silent. 
King  Lear  J  i.  1. 

JEne.       the  secrets  of  nature 

Have  not  more  gift  in  taciturnity.         Troih  and  Cress,  iv.  8. 

silent,  and  in  face 

Confounded,  long  they  sat,  as  stricken  mute. 

P.  L.,  ix.  1063 
The  city  now  doth,  like  a  garment,  wear 
The  beauty  of  the  morning  ;  silent,  bare. 
Ships,  towers,  domes,  theatres  and  temples  lie 
Open  unto  the  fields,  and  to  the  sky. 

Wordsworth.    ^Miscei.  Sonnets.^\ 

Exercise. 

Some  men  are  so  fond  of  hearing  their  own  voices,  that  they  are  not 
— — ,  even  when  they  have  no  one  to  talk  ta 

He  was  by  fits  either  very  loquacious,  or  very . 

It  is    prudent  to   be  where  we  find  that  speaking  would  bo 

dangerous. 

"  And  just  before  the  confines  of  the  wood, 

The  gliding  Lethe  leads  her flood." 

He  did  not  appear  to  be  in  good  spirits  that  evening,  and  I  observed  that 

he  was  unusually . 

Our  country  is  not  famed  for  great  talkers  ;  Englishmen  are  in  general 
and  reserved. 


I  have  travelled  for  twenty -four  hours  in  a  stage-coach  with  three  com- 
panions (?)  who  did  not  make  a  single  remark,  either  to  me  or  to  each  other, 
but  preserved  a  strict during  the  whole  journey. 

Women  are  generally  much  less  than  men ;  this  may  be  ac- 
counted for  in  two  ways:  they  are  naturally  more  communicative;  and, 

secondly,  they  have  not  the  same  causes  for which  operate  upon 

the  other  sex. 


Wonderful — Marvellous. 
A  wonder  is  natural ;  a  marvel  is  incredible.  What  is  won- 
derful takes  our  senses,  what  is  marvellous  takes  our  reason, 
by  surprise.  The  wonderful  is  opposed  to  the  ordinary;  the 
marvellous  is  opposed  to  the  probable.  Jugglers'  tricks  are 
wonderful;  travellers'  stories  are  marvellous.  The  adven- 
tures of  Baron  Munchausen  are  full  of  the  marvellous ;  na- 
ture is  full  of  wonders. 

lExe.  'Tis  wonderful ! 

K.  Hen.  Come,  go  we  in  procession  to  the  village : 
And  be  it  death  proclaimed  through  our  host. 


242  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

To  boast  of  this,  or  take  that  praise  from  Goa, 
Which  is  his  only.  Henry  F.,  iv.  8 

Gon.  Marvellous  sweet  music  !  Tempest,  iii.  3. 

more  wonderful 

Than  that,  which  by  creation  first  brought  forth 
Light  out  of  darkness  !  P.  L.,  xii.  47L 

'  Wonderful'  hath  been 

The  love  established  between  man  and  man, 

Passing  the  love  of  women' 

Wordsworth.    *  On  the  Death  of  Charles  Lamb ' 
1  thought  of  Chatterton,  the  marvellous  Boy, 
The  sleepless  Soul  that  perished  in  his  pride. 

*  Resolution  and  Independence,*} 

Exercise. 

**  If  a  man,  out  of  vanity,  or  from  a  desire  of  being  in  the  fashion,  or  ill  I 

order  to  pass  for ly  wise,  shall  say  that  Berkley's  doctrine  is  true,  j 

while  at  the  same  time  his  belief  is  precisely  the  same  with  mine,  I  leave  i 
him  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  hypocrisy." 

"  The fable  includes  whatever  is  supernatural,  and  especially  the 

machines  of  the  gods." 

"I  could  not  sufficiently •  at  the  intrepidity  of  these  diminutive  J 

mortals,  who  durst  venture  to  mount  and  walk  upon  my  body." 

"  The  common  people  of  Spain  have  an  Oriental  passion  for  story-tellin 

and  are  fond  of  the ." 

"  How  poor,  how  rich,  how  abject,  how  august. 

How  complicate,  how is  man ! 

How  passing he  who  made  him  such !" 

ts causeth  astonishment,  or  an  immoveable  posture  of  the  body  ;| 

for  in the  spirits  fly  not  as  in  fear,  but  only  settle." 

Sir  John  Mandeville,  in  the  narrative  of  his  travels,  dedicated  to  Ed- 
ward III.,  inserted  parts  of  such  chronicles  as  were  then  in  existence,  and 

introduced  romantic  and  tales  of  knight  errantry,  miraculous 

gends,  monsters,  giants,  &.c. 


Below — Beneath, 
Below  and  beneath  both  refer  to  what  is  under  us  ;  but  bs^ 
neath  is  farther  down  than  helow.     Small  fish  sport  below  th 
surface  of  the  waters.     The  larger  fish  repose  beneath 
flood.     What  is  beneath  is  below  us;  but  what  is  below  is* 
not  always  beneath.     Those  who  are  below  us  in  rank  are 
not  beneath  us  ;  on  the  contrary,  they  deserve  our  respect,  if 
they  conduct  themselves  virtuously.     The  vicious  and  th«> 
profligate  are  beneath  our  consider^^tioii, 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  243 

iJul  Methinks  I  see  thee,  now  thou  art  below, 
As  one  dead  in  the  bottom  of  a  tomb.       Rom.  and  Jul,,  llL  5. 

0th.  O,  I  were  damned  beneath  all  depth  of  hell, 
But  that  I  did  proceed  upon  just  grounds. 

OthellOf  V.  2. 
There  let  the  pealing  organ  blow 

To  the  full- voiced  quire  below      Milton.    *  II  Penseroso.* 
Sunk  though  he  be  beneath  the  watery  floor 

*  Lycidas.* 
A  lofty  precipice  in  front 

A  silent  tarn  below  !  Wordswoeth.    *  Fidelity. 

Then,  from  thy  breast  what  thought 
Beneath  so  beautiful  a  sun 
So  sad  a  sigh  has  brought  ?  *  The  Two  April  Mornings.*} 

Exercise, 
The  noble  Venetians  think  themselves  at  least  equal  to  the  electors  of  the 

empire,  and  but  one  degree kings. 

He  will  do  nothing  that  is his  high  station,  nor  omit  doing  any 

thing  which  becomes  it. 

Standing  on  the  summit  of  a  high  rock,  when  I  looked  down  into  the 

cavern me,  I  was  seized  with  such  a  giddiness,  that  I  was  obliged 

to  sit  down  for  fear  of  falling. 

His  brother,  though  several  years  older,  was him  in  the  school, 

and  was  often  reproved  by  the  master  for  his  idleness. 

All  the  numbers ten  are  called  digits. 

Those  who  work  in  mines  are  forced  to  toil  the  whole  day  long  far 

the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  to  be  deprived  of  the  light  of  the  sun 

.  and  fresh  air  for  a  great  portion  of  their  lives. 
.  The  house  consists  of  three  stories,  and  a  suite  of  kitchens  and  offices 

• the  ground-floor.     It  stands  in  the  midst  of  a  well-stocked  garden, 

and  is  not  more  than  a  mile  from  the  high-road. 

*'  This  said,  he  led  them  up  the  mountain's  brow, 

And  showed  them  all  the  shining  fields .'* 

"  Trembling,  I  view  the  dread  abyss " 


Between — Among. 

Among  is  derived  from  on  many ;  between,  from  by  twain. 
The  former  is  used  in  speaking  of  a  larger  number ;  the  lat- 
ter, never  when  more  than  two  are  concerned.  The  ety- 
mologies of  these  two  prepositions  will  suggest  their  proper 
use.  A  man  is  therefore  between  his  friends  when  he  has 
one  on  each  side  of  him ;  and  he  is  among  his  friends  when 
he  is  surrounded  by  several. 


244  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

iHam.  As  love  between  them  like  the  palm  might  flourish 
As, peace  should  still  her  wheaten  garland  wear, 
And  stand  a  comma  'tween  their  amities.  Hamlet,  v.  2. 

Ben. he  hath  hid  himself  among  those  trees. 

Rom.  and  Jul.,  ii  ] 

gods  adored 

Among  the  nations  round  ;  and  durst  abide 
Jehovah  thundering  out  of  Sion,  throned 

Between  the  cherubim P.  i.,  i.  384. 

Among  the  faithless,  faithful  only  he ; 
Among  innumerable  false,  unmoved, 
Unshaken,  unseduced,  unterrified.  Id.,  v.  897 

Sentinels,  between  two  armies 

With  nothing  better,  in  the  chill  night  air 

Than  their  own  thoughts  to  comfort  them.    *  The  Excursion,''  vi 

The  towering  headlands,  crowned  with  mist, 

Their  feet  among  the  billows,  know 

That  Ocean  is  a  mighty  harmonist,  *  On  the  Power  of  Sound.*  J 

Exercise. 

There  exists  not  the  slightest  shadow  of  resemblance the  hiero- 
glyphics of  Egypt  and  the  Chinese  characters. 

those  who  are  not  exposed  to  the  climate,  the  complexion  is  fully 

as  fair  as  that  of  the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese. 

The  prize-money  was  equally  divided the  ship's  crew. 

The  constant  intercourse  which  subsisted  for  many  centuries this 

country  and  France  contributed  largely  to  the  introduction  of  French  terms 
into  our  language. 

These  two  failures,  to  the  aggregate  amount  of  about  two  millions  of  dol- 
lars, produced,  as  might  be  expected,  a  considerable  sensation  and  loud 
clamours the  foreign  merchants  at  Canton. 

The  object  of  all  writers  on  synonymous  terms  is  to  explain  the  distinc- 
tion   words  which  approximate  in  signification. 

The  king  endeavoured  to  promote  kindlier  and  gentler  feelings all 

classes  of  his  subjects,  by  encouraging  and  patronizing  such  sports  and  pas- 
times as  were  consonant  with  the  spirit  and  habits  of  the  age. 

"  There  were the  old  Roman  statues,  several  of  Venus  in  differ- 
ent postures  and  habits ;  as  there  are  many  particular  figures  of  her  made 
after  the  same  design." 

"  Friendship  requires  that  it  be two  at  least ;  and  there  can  be  no 

friendship  where  there  are  not  two  friends." 


Bi/--With. 
The  distinction  to  be  made  between  these  prepositions  is  lo 
be  found  in  the  degree  of  connection  which  they  express. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  245 

The  etymological  meaning  of  the  former  is,  close-to ;  and  that 
of  the  latter,  join.  With  expresses  contact ;  hy,  occasional 
proximity,  or  a  remoter  connection.  In  speaking  of  external 
things,  we  say — He  came  with  his  friend ;  and,  he  stood  hy 
me.  In  an  abstract  sense,  the  same  difference  holds  good. 
The  task  was  accomplished  with  great  difficulty.  By  constant 
diligence,  he  at  length  acquired  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the 
subject. 

The  manner  or  instrument  of  an  action  is  generally  pre- 
ceded by  with;  hy  is  used  before  the  cause,  or  direct  agent, 
when  a  person.  The  man  struck  the  table  with  his  hand. 
The  table  was  struck  by  the  man. 

iK.  Rich.  My  care  is — loss  of  care  by  old  care  done  ; 
Your  care  is— gain  of  care,  by  new  care  won. 

***** 

With  mine  own  tears  I  wash  away  my  balm, 
With  mine  own  hands  I  give  away  my  crown, 
With  mine  own  tongue  deny  my  sacred  state. 
With  mine  own  breath  release  all  duteous  oaths ; 

Rich.  II.,  iv.  1. 
Him  thus  Intent  Ithuriel  with  his  spear 

Touched  lightly P.  L.,  iv.  810. 

from  the  arched  roof 

Pendent  by  subtle  magic,  many  a  row 

Of  starry  lamps  and  blazing  cressets,  fed 

With  naphtha  and  asphaltus,  yielded  light 

As  from  a  sky. Id.,  i.  726. 

Nor  shall  she  fail  to  see 

Even  in  the  motions  of  the  storm 

Grace  that  shall  mould  the  Maiden's  form 

By  sUent  sympathy.  Wordsworth. 

The  Gift  to  King  Amphion, 

That  walled  a  city  with  its  melody 

Was  for  belief  no  dream *  On  the  Power  of  Sound.^2 

Exercise. 

The  war  was  at  that  time  carried  on  between  the  French  and  the  Ital- 
ians   the  utmost  inhumanity. 

More  misery  is  produced  among  us «the  irregularities  of  our  tem- 
pers, than real  misfortunes. 

Lord  Anson  signalized  himself his  voyage  round  the  world      We 

ait5  told  that  he  was  encouraged  in  his  fondness  for  naval  history  and  bold 
adventures his  father. 

Being  sent a  squadron  of  five  ships  to  annoy  the  Spaniards  in  the 

Southern  Ocean,  he  sailed  from  Portsmouth  September  18th,  1740. 

Caxton  first  introduced  into  England  the  art  of  printing  — — —  moveable 
types. 

21* 


246  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  The  grammar  of  a  language  is  sometimes  to  be  carefully  studied  - 
a  grown  man  " 

" thy  powerful  blast, 

Heat  apace  and  cool  as  fast." 


Frequently —  Often. 

That  is  done  often,  which  is  repeated  after  short  intervals. 
That  is  diOne  frequently,  vfhxoh.  is  repeated  after  longer,  but  not 
always  after  the  same  intervals  of  time.  Thus,  "  Our  uncle 
often  dines  with  us  ;"  but,  "  we  frequently  have  friends  to  dine 
with  us."  "  I  often  walk  in  the  park,  and  frequently  meet 
some  of  my  acquaintance  there."  The  difference  between  the 
two  words  is  to  be  found  not  only  in  the  length  of  time  which 
elapses  between  the  acts  they,  qualify,  but  also  in  the  variety 
of  persons  who  perform  those  acts. 

[Tita. in  the  spiced  Indian  air,  by  night, 

Full  often  hath  she  gossiped  by  my  side. 

Midsummer  NighVs  Dream,  il  2. 

How  often  from  the  steep 

Of  echoing  hill  or  thicket  have  we  heard 

Celestial  voices P.  L.,  iv.  680. 

I've  heard  of  hearts  unkind,  kind  deeds 

With  coldness  still  returning ; 

Alas,  the  gratitude  of  men 

Hath  oftener  left  me  mourning.  Wordsworth.    *  Simon  Le«.'] 

Exercise. 

What  is  done and  carelessly,  is  liable  to  be  ^—  done  wrong. 

He paid  us  visits,  but  did  not  come  so as  his  brother. 

The  wealth  of  individuals  is dissipated  by  an  extravagant  patron- 
age of  the  fine  arts. 

Men  act  wrong  scarcely  less from  the  defect  of  courage,  than  of 

knowledge  and  of  prudence. 

Though  he goes  into  society,  I  have  not met  him  at  the 

houses  of  our  common  friends. 

**  How shall  my  brother  sin  against  me,  and  I  forgive  him?"  "^ 

It happens  that  young  persons  of  an  inquiring  turn  of  mind  are 

discouraged  from  the  pursuit  of  some  studies  by  failing  to  perceive  their  ulti- 
mate object. 

"  1  could  not  without  much  grief  observe  how ladies  and  gentle- 
men are  at  a  loss  for  questions  and  answers." 

"  Who  does  not  more  admire  Cicero  as  an  author  than  as  consul  of  Rome, 


,.^*'-'-^' 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNON^MES.  247 

and  does  not er  talk  of  the  celebrated  writers  of  our  own  country  in 

fomier  ages,  than  of  any  among  their  contemporaries  ?" 


Immediately — Instantly, 
An  act  is  performed  instantly  when  no  time  is  allowed  to 
]  elapse  before  we  set  about  it;  it  is  performed  eV/zmeJea^e/y  when 
;  no  occupation  is  allowed  to  intervene  between  the  present  act 
and  the  one  proposed.     To  do  a  thing  instantly,  we  leave  our 
!  occupation.     To  do  a  thing  immediately,  we  may  finish  what 
we  have  in  hand  before  commencing  what  is  required  of  us. 
What  is  done  instantly  is  done  sooner  than  what  is  done  im- 
mediately.    One  who  is  writing  a  letter  may  promise  to  go 
somewhere  immediately,  and  yet  not  go  till  he  have  finished 
his  letter ;  but  he  must  begin  nothing  else  before  he  goes. 
One  who  is  writing  and  promises  to  go  instantly,  must  leave 
off  writing,  and  go  at  once. 

[JfiT.  Rich.  Now  put  it,  heaven,  in  his  physician's  mind 
To  help  him  to  his  grave  immediately.  Rich.  II.,  i.  4. 

Art.  Delay  not,  Caesar ;  read  it  instantly  Jul.  Casar,  iii.  1 

Reason  in  man  obscured,  or  not  obeyed, 
Immediately  inordinate  desires 
And  upstart  passions  catch  the  government 

From  reason. P.  L.,  xii.  89. 

sought  repair 

Of  sleep,  which  instantly  fell  on  me W.,  viii.  458. 

I  will  not  say 

What  thoughts  immediately  were  ours 

WoBDswoKTH.    *  On  the  Naming  of  Places.^} 

Exercise, 

**  Admiration  is  a  short-lived  passion,  that decays  upon  growing 

familiar  with  the  object." 

"  The  poor  man  has  caught  cold  on  the  river  ;  for  our  order  reached  him 
when  he  was  just  returned  from  certain  visits  in  London,  and  he  held  it  a 
matter  of  loyalty  and  conscience to  set  forth  again." 

This  good  news  arrived  yesterday,  and  was  spread  all  over  the 

town,  so  that  this  morning  there  was  not  a  soul  in  the  place  unacquainted 
with  all  the  circumstances. 

Seeing  his  friend  struggling  hard  in  the  water,  and  in  imminent  danger  of 

his  life,  he stripped  off  his  coat,  and  jumped  into  the  river  to  his  as- 

aistauce. 


248  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

"  Moses  mentions  the cause  of  the  Deluge,  the  rains  and  the  wa- 
ters ;  and  St.  Peter  mentions  the  more  remote  and  fundamental  cause,  viz 
the  constitution  of  the  heavens." 

"  The stroke  of  death  denounced  to-day 

Removed  far  off." 


Middh — Midst. 

Middle  is  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  mid,  and  dael,  a  part  or  por- 
tion. Midst  is  the  superlative  or  intensive  form  of  middle, 
and  is  a  contraction  of  middlemost ;  thus  :  middlemost — mid- 
dest — midst. 

The  middle  is  that  part  of  a  substance  which  is  at  an  equal 
distance  from  both  its  ends.  Midst  is  that  point  in  a  substance 
which  is  at  an  equal  distance  from  all  parts  of  its  circumfer- 
ence. The  middle  of  the  street  is  half-way  between  the 
houses  on  one  side,  and  those  on  the  other.  The  middle  of 
June  is  half-way  between  the  beginning  and  the  end  of  the 
month.  The  midst  of  the  forest  is  that  point  which  is  at  an 
equal  distance  from  all  parts  of  its  circumference.  In  an  ab- 
stract sense,  midst  is  more  frequently  used.  Thus,  we  have  : 
In  the  midst  of  danger — of  difficulties,  &c. 

iPer.  these  are  flowers 

Of  middle  summer  ;  and,  I  think^  they  are  given 

To  men  of  middle  age Winter''s  Tale,  iv.  3. 

I  Sen.  our  good  city 

Cleave  in  the  midst  and  perish.  Coriolanus,  iii.  2. 


-  on  the  snowy  top 


Of  cold  Olympus  ruled  the  middle  air 

Their  highest  heaven P.  L.,  i.  516. 

from  whence  a  voice 

From  midst  a  golden  cloud,  thus  mild  was  heard. 

Id.,  vi.  28. 
That  secret  spirit  of  humanity 
Which,  'mid  the  calm  oblivious  tendencies, 
Of  Nature,  'mid  her  plants,  and  weeds,  and  flowers. 
And  silent  overgrowings,  still  survived.  *  The  Excursion,  i.J 

Exercise. 
The  man  had  laid  a  wager  that  he  would  swim  across  the  river  at  its  wi- 
dest part  in  less  than  ten  minutes  ;  he  had  accomplished  half  his  task  with 
ease,  in  less  than  half  the  allotted  time  ;  but  just  when  he  had  reached  the 

of  the  stream,  he  was  carried  away  by  the  force  of  the  current,  and 

drowned. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  ^  249 

Extended  on  the  burning  sand  in  the of  the  desert,  and  suifering 

the  greatest  pain  from  fever  brought  on  by  excessive  fatigue  and  want  of 
proper  nourishment,  I  should  have  perished,  had  it  not  been  for  the  extreme 
kindness  and  attention  of  my  Arab  guides. 

In  the of  these  imminent  and  appalling  dangers,  he  did  not  betray 

a  sign  of  fear,  but  gave  his  orders  with  the  same  calmness  and  composure  as 
usual. 

«  A station  of  life  is  within  reach  of  those  convenience] 

lower  orders  of  mankind  must  necessarily  want,  8ind  Yp$^^3!^o|ft'  lajab^T-^'  ^ 
rassment  of  greatness."  "'^'  ^ 

He  was  thankful  in  the of  his  afflictions. 

Librari 


WhUe—WhUst.  ^^^^::^  CViiif.ri}^ 

While  is  from  the  Saxon  hwile,  and  sigr.ifies  time.  Whilst 
is  a  superlative  form,  or  a  more  intensive  degree  of  while,  and 
is  used  for  during  the  whole  time.  "  I  shall  write  while  you 
work,"  means  that  during  the  time  that  you  are  working,  I 
shall  occupy  myself  (perhaps  occasionally)  in  writing.  "  I 
shall  write  whilst  you  work,"  means  that  during  the  whole 
time  that  you  are  occupied  in  working,  I  shall  not  cease  from 
writing. 

Whilst  is  also  used  to  mark  a  contrast  or  strong  distinction 
between  two  things  or  actions.  "  Make  your  mirth  whilst  I 
bear  my  misery." 

iHor.  While  one  vdth  moderate  haste  might  tell  a  hundred. 

Hamletf  i.  2. 

Ant.  the  queen, — 

Whose  heart,  I  thought,  I  had,  for  she  had  mine  ; 

Which,  whilst  it  was  mine,  had  aimexed  unto  't 

A  million  more,  now  lost.  Ant.  and  Cleop.y  Iv.  12 

For  evil  news  rides  post,  while  good  news  baits 

S.  A.,  1538. 
Whilst  from  off  the  waters  fleet 
Thus  I  set  my  printless  feet 
O'er  the  cowslip's  velvet  head 
That  bends  not  as  I  tread.  Comus,  896. 

-  when  with  eye  upraised 


To  heaven  he  knelt  before  the  crucifix, 

While  o'er  the  lake  the  cataract  of  Lodore 

Pealed  to  his  orisons Wordsworth.    *  Inscriptions,  ] 

Exercise. 
The  two  ruffians  rushed  out  upon  the  traveller  unawares ;  and  having 


250  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

knocked  him  down,  the  one  held  his  hands the  other  rifled  his  pock^ 

ets  of  his  watch  and  money. 

How  did  these  two  men  behave  in  the  same  circumstances  ?  The  one 
seized  with  a  malicious  joy  the  opportunity  thus  offered  him  of  gratifying  his 

revenge ;  the  other,  with  a  noble  generosity,  pardoned  his  enemies 

for  those  offences  against  him  which  he  could  have  then  so  easily  punished. 

we  were  all  engaged  in  convei-sation,  we  heard  some  beautiful 

music  under  our  windows,  which  was  continued  at  intervals  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  evening. 

"  Can  he  imagine  that  God  sends  forth  an  irresistible  strength  against  some 
sins ;  in  others  he  allows  men  a  power  of  repelling  his  grace  ?" 

CsBsar  was  at  Rome,  an  insurrection  broke  out  among  his  troops, 

who  were  too  impatient  to  wait  for  the  triumph,  and  the  advantages  they 
hoped  to  derive  from  it. 


SECTION  IV. 

POSITIVE    AND    NEGATIVE    SYNONYMES. 

Another  principle  by  which  we  may  frequently  discover  a 
difTerence  between  two  approximating  meanings,  is  where  one 
term  is  positive,  and  the  other  negative  ;  that  is,  where  the 
first  expresses  some  idea  independently,  and  the  second,  the 
negation  of  another  idea.  The  two  verbs,  to  shun  and  to  avoid, 
show  a  difference  of  this  sort ;  to  shun  is  positively  to  turn 
away  from,  to  avoid  is  merely  not  to  approach,  or  go  in  the 
way  of.  Between  many  approximating  words,  we  shall  have 
no  difficulty  in  distinguishing,  by  the  application  of  this  test. 
The  difference  between  unable  and  not  able,  inability  and  dis- 
ability, and  many  others,  becomes  thus  immediately  clear.  The 
two  words  have  the  same  idea  in  common,  but  the  one  has  a 
negative  quality  not  found  in  the  other,  and  thus  a  distinction 
can  be  made.  The  pairs  of  words  treated  in  this  section  differ 
from  each  other  in  consequence  of  this  principle. 


Despair — Hopelessness. 
Despair  is  positive  ;  hopelessness  is  negative.     He  who  de- 
spairs, once  hoped,  but  has  now  lost  his  hope      The  hopeless 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  251 

man  may  never  have  hoped ;  desperate  is  deprived  of  hope  ; 
hopeless  is  wanting  hope.  Affairs  are  said  to  be  hopeless 
when  their  state  is  such  as  not  to  raise  any  hope  of  their  being 
successful.  An  enterprise  is  said  to  be  desperate  when  all 
hope  is  lost  which  we  once  entertained  of  its  success.  To  be 
desperate,  we  must  have  previously  hoped. 

iHel.  Oft  expectation  fails,  and  most  oft  there 
Where  most  it  promises  ;  and  oft  it  hits. 
Where  hope  is  coldest  and  despair  most  sits.    AlPs  Wellj  ^c.j  ii.  1. 

K.  Rich.  The  hopeless  word  of— never  to  return, 
Breathe  I  against  thee,  upon  pain  of  life.  Richard  II.j  i.  3 

Me  miserable  !  which  way  shall  I  fly- 
Infinite  wrath,  and  infinite  despair !  P.  A,  iv.  74. 

Nor  am  I  in  the  list  of  them  that  hope  : 

Hopeless  are  all  my  evils,  all  remediless.  S.  A.,  648 

And  oft  his  cogitations  sink  as  low 

As,  through  the  abysses  of  a  joyless  heart, 

The  heaviest  plummet  of  despair  can  go.         Wordsworth.  *  DUmJ 

For  years  to  me  are  sad  and  dull ; 

My  very  moments  are  too  full 

Of  hopelessness  and  fear.  *  Lament  of  Martff  Queen  of  Scots.*} 

Exercise. 


"  lu  a  part  of  Asia,  the  sick,  when  their  case  comes  to  be  thought  - 


are  carried  out  and  laid  on  the  earth,  before  they  are  dead,  and  left  there." 

Are  they  indifferent,  being  used  as  signs  of  immoderate  and lam- 
entation for  the  dead  ? 

I  am  a  man  of fortunes,  that  is,  a  man  whose  friends  are  dead ; 

for  I  never  aimed  at  any  other  fortune  than  in  friends. 

"  The  <^neans  wish  in  vain  their  wanted  chief, 

of  flight,  more of  relief." 

•  is  the  thought  of  the  unattainableness  of  any  good,  which  works 


differently  in  men's  minds,  sometimes  producing  uneasiness  or  pain,  some- 
times rest  and  indolence." 

" of  ransom,  and  condemned  to  lie 

In  durance,  doomed  a  lingering  death  to  die." 
"  We  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet  not  distressed ;  we  are  perplexed,  but 

not  in " 

"  Before  the  ships  a stand  they  made. 

And  fired  the  troops,  and  called  the  gods  to  aid." 
"  [He]  watches  with  greedy  hope  to  find 
His  wish  and  best  advantage,  us  asunder ; 

to  circumvent  us  joined,  where  each 

To  other  speedy  aid  might  lend  at  need." 


252  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Disability — Inability. 
Inability  is  a  natural  want  of  power  to  act ;  disability  is  a 
want  of  qualification.  One  who  confesses  his  inability  to  ac- 
count for  some  phenomenon,  gives  us  to  understand  that  na- 
ture has  not  endowed  him  with  power  to  explain  its  cause. 
One  who  is  disqualified,  by  reason  of  his  nonage,  from  en- 
tering into  a  contract,  labours  under  a  legal  disability. 

iVal.  Leave  off  discourse  of  disability. 

Two  Gent,  of  Verona,  ii.  4.] 

Exercise. 

There  are  many  questions  which  have  baffled  the  most  sagacious  penetra- 
tion of  the  human  intellect,  and  which  the  deepest  philosophy  is  to  this  day 
obliged  to  confess  its to  fathom. 

In  the  tenth  and  eleventh  centuries,  the  Jews  were  persecuted  in  Eng- 
land with  unrelenting  cruelty,  and  even  at  this  moment  they  labour  under 
many  legal in  that  country. 

He  accepted,  though  much  against  his  will,  the  office  vacant  by  the  death 
of  the  professor,  as  he  could  plead  neither  ignorance  nor as  an  ex- 
cuse for  refusing  it. 

The  party  on  the  other  side  grounded  their  hopes  of  success  on  the  al- 
leged   of  the  plaintiff,  and  on  the  presumption  that  as  he  was  a 

minor,  he  could  not  be  a  party  to  the  contract  in  question. 

One  who  confesses  his declares  that  he  is  not  able  to  perform 

eome  action,  or  explain  some  question.     He  who  labours  under is 

unable  to  enter  into  certain  contracts  or  agreements. 

"  It  is  not  from to  discover  what  they  ought  to  do,  that  men  err 

in  practice." 

Want  of  age  is  a  legal to  contract  a  marriage. 

This  disadvantage  which  the  Dissenters  at  present  lie  under,  of  a 

to  receive  church  preferments,  will  be  easily  remedied  by  the  repeal  of 
the  test. 


Disbelief- — Unbelief.  * 
Unbelief  is  a  want  of  belief ;  disbelief  is  an  unwillingness 
or  refusal  to  believe.  I  express  my  unbelief  of  what  I  am 
willing  to  believe,  but  am  not  convinced  is  true.  I  express 
my  disbelief  of  what  I  have  reason  to  think  is  false.  Unbe- 
lief is  open  to  conviction  ;  disbelief  is  already  convinced  of 
the  falseness  of  what  it  does  not  believe.     Many  men  have 


0»  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  253 

expressed  their  unbelief  in   Christianity.      I   disbelieve  the 

statement  of  a  perjured  man.     Unbelief  is  properly  applied  to 

opinions,  truths,  &c.  ;  disbelief,  to  facts. 

[ but  unbelief  is  blind. 

Comusj  519.] 

Exercise, 

The  magistrate  having  heard  the  prisoner's  story,  expressed  his  unqualified 
•  of  every  word  he  had  uttered,  and  turning  to  the  clerk  of  the  office, 


directed  him  immediately  to  make  out  his  committal. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  pretensions  to  the  art  of  magic  which  this  im- 
postor so  unblushingly  asserted,  few,  even  in  those  superstitious  times,  were 
so  far  deceived  by  his  artifices  as  not  to  suspect  him  of  fraud,  and  many 
even  openly  expressed  their of  the  art  he  professed. 

It  is  well  known  that  a  firm  faith  in  the  power  of  magic  is  to  this  day 
common  in  all  parts  of  the  East ;  and  a  dangerous  experiment  would  it  be 
for  any  European  traveller  who,  in  the  pride  of  his  philosophy,  should  ven- 
ture there  publicly  to  express  his in  its  agency. 

One  of  the  most  pernicious  effects  of  a  close  acquaintance  with  the 
world  is,  that  it  renders  us  so  familiar  with  the  worst  parts  of  human  na- 
ture, as  almost  to  lead  to  our in  many  good  qualities  which  really 

exist  among  men. 


Freedom — Liberty . 
Freedom  represents  a  positive — liberty,  a  negative  quality. 
The  former  denotes  a  natural  state  ;  the  latter,  an  exemption 
from  bonds  or  slavery.  Those  who  have  never  been  slaves 
enjoy  freedom ;  Those  who  are  exempt  from  slavery  enjoy 
liberty.  Freedom  supposes  a  right ;  liberty  supposes  a  pre- 
vious restraint.  Freedom  is  the  birthright  of  every  English- 
man. A  prisoner  who  is  set  at  liberty  regains  his  freedom. 
We  are  at  liberty  to  speak  on  any  subject  we  choose,  but 
circumstances  may  prevent  our  speaking  with  freedom. 

iBru.  And,  waving  our  red  weapons  o'er  our  heads, 
Let's  all  cry,  Peace  !  Freedom !  and  Liberty!    Julius  Ccesar,  iii.  1. 

Pro.  Shortly  shall  all  my  labours  end,  and  thou 
Shalt  have  the  air  at  freedom Tempest,  iv.  1, 

Jaq.  * I  must  have  liberty 

"Withal,  as  large  a  charter  as  the  wind 

To  blow  on  whom  I  please As  You  Like  It,  ii.  7, 

The  conquered  also,  and  enslaved  in  war 
Shall,  with  their  freedom  lost,  all  virtue  lose.    P.  L.,  xi.  798. 
23 


254  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

Since  thy  original  lapse,  true  liberty 

Is  lost,  which  always  with  right  reason  dwells 

Id.,  xii.  82 
That  bawl  for  freedom  in  their  senseless  mood, 

And  still  revolt  when  truth  would  set  them  free. 

License  they  mean  when  they  cry  Liberty ; 
For  who  loves  that  must  first  be  wise  and  good. 

Milton     *  Sonnet  ' 
How  does  the  Meadow-flower  its  bloom  unfold ' 
Because  the  lovely  little  flower  is  free 
Down  to  its  root,  and,  in  that  freedom,  bold , 
And  so  the  grandeur  of  the  Forest-tree 
Comes  not  by  casting  in  a  formal  mould, 
But  from  its  own  divine  vitality. 

Wordsworth.    *  Miscel.  Sonnett 

No  sea 

Swells  like  the  bosom  of  a  man  set  free  ; 

A  wilderness  is  rich  with  liberty. 

Roll  on  ye  spouting  whales,  who  die  or  keep 

Your  independence  in  the  fathomless  Deep  '     *  Liberty.^i 

Exercise, 

After  ten  years'  confinement,  the  prisoner's  friends  contrived  to  rt«e  the  j| 
sum  necessary  for  his  ransom,  and  he  weis  at  length  set  at .  j 

The  question  was  discussed  with  great ,  and  most  of  the  mem-  ; 

bers  of  the  society  took  part  in  the  debate. 

The  ancient  Greeks  cherished  the  deepest  and  most  heartfelt  love  for  I 

their  country ;    they  fought  and  bled  for  their  ,  and  preferred  a 

thousand  deaths  to  slavery  or  oppression. 

He  was  one  of  the  most  amiable  characters  of  his  time,  and  his  < 

tion  was  marked  by  the  -i^i and  frankness  with  which  he  communicated 

his  opinions  and  sentiments  to  his  friends. 

Some  men  appear  to  have  had  singular  ideas  of ;  they  seem  to  i 

have  thought  that  it  meant  a  privilege  to  do  whatever  their  evil  passions  ■] 
might  dictate,  and  to  have  looked  upon  it  as  a  state  in  which  the  most  ij 
atrocious  crimes  might  be  committed  with  impunity.  ! 

After  having  suffered  three  years'  imprisonment  for  this  libel,  he  was  set  \ 

at  ,  and  he  determined  thenceforth  to  express  himself  with  less  ; 

on  the  character  and  conduct  of  others.  j 

"  The of  the  press  is  a  blessing  when  we  are  inclined  to  write  i 

against  others,  and  a  calamity  when  we  find  ourselves  overborne  by  the  | 
multitude  of  our  assailants." 


A  Lie — An  Untruth, 

A  lie  is  positively — an  untruth  is  negatively  false.     The 
former  is  intentional,  the  latter  involuntary.     He  who  says  ^ 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  255 

what  he  knows  to  be  untrue,  with  an  intention  to  deceive, 
tells  a  lie.  He  who  says  what  is  untrue,  but  who  is  not 
aware  of  its  falseness,  utters  an  untruth.  The  word  untruth 
is  not  unfrequently  used  as  a  softened  expression  for  a  lie,  but 
this  is  not  a  correct  use  of  the  word.  These  two  words 
might  also  be  distinguished  by  their  active  and  passive 
meanings — for  a  lie  is  the  active,  and  an  untruth  the  passive 
false. 

[Pro.  like  one 

"Who  having,  unto  truth,  by  telling  of  it 

Made  such  a  sinner  of  his  memory 

To  credit  his  own  lie Tempest^  i.  2. 

Kath.  In  the  presence 

He  would  say  untruths  ;  and  be  ever  double 

Both  in  his  words  and  meaning Henry  Vlll.f  ly.  2 

His  countenance,  as  the  morning-star,  that  guides 
The  starry  flock,  allured  them  ;  and  with  lies 
Brew  after  him  the  third  part  of  heaven's  host 

P.  i.,  v.  709.J 

Exercise. 

"  Above  all  things,  tell  no ,  no,  not  even  in  trifles." 

"  The  nature  of  a consists  in  this,  that  it  is  a  false  signification 

knowingly  and  voluntarily  used." 

"  There  is  little  hope  for  common  justice  in  this  dispute,  from  a  man  who 
lays  the  foundations  of  his  reasonings  in  so  notorious  an ." 

"  When  I  hear  my  neighbour  speak  that  which^is  not  true,  and  I  say  to 
him :  *  This  is  not  true,'  or  *  This  is  false,'  I  only  convey  to  him  the  naked 

idea  of  his  en-or  ;  this  is  the  primary  idea :  but  if  I  say,  *  It  is  a ,'  the 

word carries  also  a  secondary  idea  ;  for  it  implies  both  the  falsehood 

of  the  speech,  and  my  reproach  and  censure  of  the  speaker." 

"  I  can  hardly  consider  this  observation  as  an ,  much  less  can  I 

condemn  the  person  who  made  it  as  a ." 

**  Thy  better  soul  abhors  a part, 

Wise  is  thy  voice,  and  noble  is  thy  heart." 

"  In  matter  of  speculation  or  practice,  no can  possibly  avail  the 

patron  and  defender  long." 

"  That  a  vessel  filled  with  ashes  will  receive  the  like  quantity  of  water 

that  it  would  have  done  if  it  had  been  empty  is  utterly ,  for  the  water 

will  not  go  in  by  a  fifth  part." 

"  Truth  is  the  object  of  our  understanding,  as  good  is  of  our  will ;  and  the 

understanding  can  no  more  be  delighted  with  a ,  than  the  will  can 

choose  an  apparent  evil." 


256    ^  }  ^-        PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

pv-  ' 

'■>r\f^  To  permit — to  allow. 

To  aZZow  consents  tacitly;  to ^erm^^  consents  formally.  The| 
former  has  a  negative  meaning  ;  it  is  merely  not  to  forbid  ;  the 
latter  is  positive  ;  it  signifies  to  grant  leave.  We  are  allowed  to 
do  what  no  one  interferes  with,  us  for  doing ;  we  are  permitted 
to  do  what  we  obtain  leave  to  do.  An  action  for  which  it  is^ 
not  necessary  to  ask  permission  is  allowed ;  to  permit  implies^ 
the  granting  of  a  request.  School-boys  are  allowed  a  certaii>] 
space  for  their  sports  or  exercise ;  but  if  they  wish  to  go  be-| 
yond  the  limits  of  that  space,  they  must  ask  leave  in  order  to 
be  permitted  to  do  so. 

[P.  Hen.  Yet  herein  will  I  imitate  the  sun  ; 
Who  doth  permit  the  base  contagious  clouds 
To  smother  up  his  beauty  from  the  world.         1  Henry  IV.,  i.  2. 

Nor.  Anger  is  like 

A  full-hot  horse  ;  who  being  allowed  his  way 

Self-mettle  tires  him. Henry  VIII. ,  i.  1. 

Lear.  0  heavens, 

If  you  do  love  old  men,  if  your  sweet  sway 
Allow  obedience,  if  yourselves  are  old, 

Make  it  your  cause. King  Lear,  iv.  4. 

Therefore,  since  he  permits 

Within  himself  unworthy  powers  to  reign 

Over  free  reason,  God,  in  judgment  just, 

Subjects  him  from  without  to  violent  lords.      P.  L.,  xii.  90. 

who,  while  they  feel 

Vigour  divine  within  them,  can  allow 

Omnipotence  to  none Id.,  vi.  158. 

But  Heaven's  high  will 

Permits  a  second  and  a  darker  shade  I 

Of  Pagan  night. Wordsworth.    *  Ecclesias.  Sonnets. 

Faint  the  beam 

Of  human  life  when  first  allowed  to  gleam 

On  mortal  notice. *  Tour  o^  1833.' 

the  chancel  only  showed 

Some  vain  distinctions,  marks  of  earthly  state 

By  immemorial  privilege  allowed ; 

Though  with  the  Encincture's  special  sanctity 

But  ill  according. '  The  Excursion,^  y.] 

Exercise 

The  boys  had  finished  their  studies,  and  were  going  to  take  a  walk,  but 

the  youngest  was  not to  accompany  the  others,  as  he  had  net  been 

so  diligent  as  usual  that  morning. 

This  was  a  great  disappointment  to  him,  and  at  his  earnest  request,  and  j  i 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  257 

faithful  promise  to  do  better  another  time,  the  master him  to  join  his 

school-fellows. 

It  is  shameful  that  we  should ourselves  to  remain  in  ignorance  of 

what  it  is  our  bounden  duty  to  know. 

The  sailors,  having  asked  leave  of  the  captain,  were to  go  ashore, 

on  condition  that  they  should  return  to  the  vessel  before  nine  o'clock  the 
same  evening. 

As  some  friends  were  expected  that  night  whom  they  very  much  wished 

to  see,  they  were to  sit  up  later  than  usual,  and  did  not  retire  to  bed 

till  nearly  ten  o'clock. 

Soldiers  cannot  absent  themselves  from  their  duty  without  being  specially 


"  I  have  obtained  his to  make  these  conversations  public." 

"  Plutarch  says,  very  finely,  that  a  man  should  not himself  to 

hate  even  his  enemies." 

"  Any  of  my  readers  who  have  studied  the  biography  of  men  of  letters 

will my  assertion  is  borne  out  by  facts." 


To  assuage — to  mitigate. 

To  assuage  and  to  mitigate  both  denote  a  diminishing  of 
pain.  To  mitigate  is  a  negative,  to  assuage  is  a  positive 
term.  He  who  mitigates,  relaxes  in  harshness ;  he  who 
assuages,  actively  lessens  the  pain  of  others.  We  mitigate 
by  being  less  severe  ;  we  assuage  by  being  positively  kind. 
Time  mitigates,  friends  assuage  our  afflictions.  A  penalty  to 
be  inflicted — rigour  to  be  employed — a  sentence  to  be  passed 
— may  be  mitigated ;  grief,  fears,  affliction,  &c.,  may  be 
assuaged. 

iMen.  The  good  Gods  assuage  thy  wrath. 

Coriolanus^  v.  2. 

Por.  To  mitigate  the  justice  of  thy  plea 

Merch.  of  Yen..,  iv.  1, 

Nor  wanting  power  to  mitigate  and  'suage 
With  solemn  touches  troubled  thoughts 

P.  L.,  i.  556. 
Dire  inflammation,  which  no  cooling  herb 
Or  med'cinal  herb  can  assuage 
Nor  breath  of  vernal  air  from  snowy  Alp. 

S.  A.,  627. 
Till  she,  in  jealous  fury  unassuaged 
Had  slain  his  paramour  with  ruthless  sword 

Wordsworth.    *  Artegal  and  ElidvrtJ 

22* 


258  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


-  Man— whose  soul 


Christ  died  for  —cannot  forfeit  his  high  claim 
To  live  and  move  exempt  from  all  controul 
Which  fellow-feeling  doth  not  mitigate. 

*  Ecclesias.  Sonntta.* 
For  the  tired  slave,  Song  lifts  the  languid  oar 
And  bids  it  aptly  fall,  with  chime 
That  beautifies  the  fairest  shore 
And  mitigates  the  harshest  clime.       *  On  the  Power  of  Sound,^] 

Exercise. 

"  If  I  can  in  any  way private  inflammations,  or  allay  public  fer- 
ments, I  shall  apply  myself  to  it  with  the  utmost  endeavours." 

"  All  we  can  do  now  is  to  devise  how  that  which  must  be  endured  may 

be ,  and  its  inconveniences  countervailed  as  near  as  may  be,  that 

when  the  best  things  are  not  possible,  the  best  may  be  made  of  those 
that  are." 

"  This  was  necessary  for  the  securing  the  people  from  the  fears  capable 
of  being by  no  other  means." 

"  The  king  would  not  have  one  penny  abated  of  that  gi'anted  to  him  by 
Parliament,  because  it  might  encourage  other  countries  to  pray  the  like  re- 
lease or ion." 

The  prisoner  having  been  found  guilty  upon  this  evidence,  acknowledged 
the  justice  of  the  verdict,  but  prayed  that  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
would  induce  the  judge  to  his  sentence. 

The   remedies  which  were  applied  immediately the  pain  of  the 

wound,  so  that  by  tbj©  next  day  he  could  use  the  limb,  and  in  a  short  time 
was  able  to  walk  about  without  assistance. 

"  We  could  greatly  wish  that  the  rigour  of  their  opinion  were ." 

"  Yet  is  his  hate,  his  rancour  ne'er  the  less, 
Since  nought malice  when  'tis  told." 


To  shun — to  avoid. 

To  avoid  has  a  negative,  to  shun,  a  positive  meaning.  To 
avoid  is  merely  not  to  approach  ;  to  shun  is  to  turn  from.  We 
avoid  what  may  do  us  harm ;  we  shun  what  we  dislike,  or 
what  we  think  is  likely  to  do  us  harm.  We  avoid  bad 
habits — that  is,  we  take  care  not  to  acquire  them  ;  we  should 
shun  vice — that  is,  we  should  turn  away  from  it.  Prudence 
induces  us  to  avoid  ;  fear  or  dislike  prompts  us  to  shun.  A 
transitive  verb  can  never  be  used  after  to  shun.  We  avoid 
doing ;  we  shun  what  is  already  done. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  259 

iLear.       Thou  'dst  shun  a  bear : 

But  if  thy  flight  lay  toward  the  raging  sea, 

Thou  'dst  meet  the  bear  in  the  mouth. 

King  Leai ,  ui  4 

Mai.  This  murderous  shaft,  that's  shot. 
Hath  not  yet  lighted ;  and  our  safest  way 

Is  to  avoid  the  aim. Macbeth^  ii  3 

As  at  the  Olympian  games,  or  Pythian  fields 
Part  curb  their  fiery  steeds,  or  shun  the  goal 

With  rapid  wheels P.  L.,  ii.  531 

Seek  not  temptation  then,  which  to  avoid 
Were  better '  Jrf.,  ix.  364. 

The  recreant  Soul,  that  dares  to  shun  the  debt 

Imposed  on  human  kind 

Wordsworth.    *  Ecciet  Sonnets** 

their  wisdom  is 

To  look  into  the  eyes  of  others,  thence 
To  be  instructed  what  they  must  avoid. 

*  Tlie  Excursion^*  ix.] 

Exercise, 

.    "  Havir.g  thoroughly  considered  the  nature  of  this  passion,  I  have  made  it 

my  duty  to  study  how  to the  envy  that  may  accrue  to  me  from 

these  my  speculations." 

"  Of  many  things,  some  few  I  shall  explain, 

Teach  thee  to the  dangers  of  the  main, 

And  how  at  length  the  promised  shore  to  gain." 

**  Let  no  man  make  himself  a  confidant  of  the  foibles  of  a  beloved  com- 
panion, lest  he  find  himself by  the  friend  of  his  heart." 

**  Prudence  will  enable  us  to many  of  the  evils  to  which  we  are 

daily  exposed." 

Here  he  fell  into  vicious  habits,  and  associated  with  such  low  companions 
that  his  society  was  soon by  every  respectable  person. 

I  thought  I  perceived  him  at  some  distance  from  me,  but,  as  if  he 

dreaded  an  interview,  on  my  approaching  him,  he me,  and  mixed 

among  the  crowd. 

It  is  wise  and  prudent  to  do  what  is  commanded,  and what  is 

forbidden,  by  those  whose  authority  we  acknowledge. 


To  prevent — to  hinder. 
We  are  hindered  from  proceeding  by  something  which 
draws  us  back.  We  are  prevented  from  advancing  by  some- 
thing which  comes  in  our  way.  A  visiter  who  occupies 
much  of  our  time  hinders  us  from  pursuing  our  usual  occupa- 
tions.    A  shower  of  rain  will  prevent  us  from  taking  a  walk. 


260  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

He  who  is  hindered  does  not  wholly  cease  from  action ;  but 
he  who  is  prevented  cannot  advance  a  step.  The  inspection 
of  passports  frequently  hinders  travellers  on  the  continent  from 
proceeding  as  quickly  as  they  wish.  He  who  would  attempt 
to  travel  on  the  continent  without  a  passport,  would  be  pre 
ventfid  by  the  custom-house  officers. 

[.Car.  wise  men  ne'er  wail  their  present  woes 

But  presently  prevent  the  ways  to  wail. 

Richard  II.,  iii.  2. 
K.  Hen.  This  dangerous  treason,  lurking  in  our  way 

To  hinder  our  beginnings Henry  V.  ii.  2. 

Perhaps  forestalling  night  prevented  them. 

Comus,  285. 

what  hinders  then 

To  reach,  and  feed  at  once  both  body  and  mind  ? 

P.  L.,  ix.  778. 
See  how  her  Ivy  clasps  the  sacred  Ruin 
Fall  to  prevent,  or  beautify  decay. 

WoRDSwoETH.     *  Miscel.  Sonnets.* 
But  O  restrain  compassion,  if  its  course. 
As  oft  befals,  prevent  or  turn  aside 
Judgments  and  aims  and  acts  whose  higher  source 
Is  sympathy  with  the  unforewarned,  who  died 
Blameless— with  them  that  shuddered  o'er  his  grave, 
And  all  who  from  the  law  firm  safety  crave. 

^  *  On  Punishment  of  Death.' 

and  airy  hopes 

Dancing  around  her,  hinder  ana  disturb 
Those  meditations  of  the  soul  that  feed 
The  retrospective  virtues. *  TTie  Excursion,'  vii.] 

Exercise, 

I  should  have  begun  my  letter  yesterday,  but  I  was  by  my 

brothers,  who  insisted  on  my  accompanying  them  in  their  afternoon  walk. 

I  sat  down  this  morning  with  the  full  determination  to  write  to  you,  but  I 

have  been by  so  many  circumstances,  that  I  am  afraid  I  shall  never 

finish  this  letter. 

They  now  attempted  to  force  their  way  through  the  entrance,  but  were 
by  those  within,  who  made  a  desperate  sally  from  the  gate,  and  suc- 
cessfully repulsed  the  assailants. 

I  was  from  calling  on  you  yesterday  by  several  visiters  who 

came  in  when  I  was  on  the  point  of  setting  off. 

The  delicate  state  of  his  health  has his  education  considerably, 

and his  making  that  advancement  which,  in  ordinary  cases,  would 

be  expected. 

Had  not  the  workmen  been ,  they  would  have  finished  the  build- 
ing last  week. 

It  is  much  easier  to  keep  ourselves  void  of  resentment  than  to  restrain  it 


ON    ENGLISH   SYNONYMES.  261 

['  from  excess  when  it  has  gained  admission.    To  use  the  illustration  of  an 
(  excellent  author,  we  can the  beginnings  of  some  things  whose  pro- 
gress afterwards,  we  cannot 


Barbarous— Inhuman. 
Barbarous  and  inhuman  are  both  higher  degrees  of  cruel ; 
but  barbarity  expresses  a  positive  love  of  cruelty,  whilst  inhu- 
manity denotes  the  cruelty  resulting  from  a  want  of  the 
natural  feelings  of  kindness  and  tenderness  which  are  com- 
mon to  human  beings.  A  barbarous  man  takes  pleasure  in 
inflicting  pain ;  an  inhuman  man  is  heedless  of  the  pain  he 
gives  others.  Barbarity  delights  in  cruelty.  Many  of  the 
Roman  emperors  committed  the  most  atrocious  barbarities. 
Inhumanity  has  no  feeling  for  the  miseries  of  others.  The 
slave-trade  is  an  inhuman  traffic. 

{Lear.       The  barbarous  Scythian 

Or  he  that  makes  his  generation  messes 

King  Lear  J  i.  1. 
Duke.  A  stony  acversary,  an  inhuman  wretch 
Uncapable  of  pity,  void  and  empty 
^;  From  any  dram  of  mercy  Merck,  of  Ven.y  iv.  1. 

^  A  multitude,  like  which  the  populous  north 

^^  Poured  never  from  her  frozen  loins,  to  pass 

Rhene  or  the  Danau,  when  her  barbarous  sons 
Came  like  a  deluge  on  the  south,  and  spread 
Beneath  Gibraltar  to  the  Libyan  sands. 

P.  L.,  i.  353. 

all  the  miseries  of  life 

Life  in  captivity 

Among  inhuman  foes.  S.  A.yl09. 

By  Augustin  led, 

They  come — and  onward  travel  witliout  dread, 
Chanting  in  barbarous  ears  a  tuneful  prayer- 
Sung  for  themselves,  and  those  whom  they  would  free ! 

Wordsworth.    '  Eccles.  Sonnets.*} 

Exercise. 

"  By  their usage,  he  died  in  a  few  days,  to  the  grief  of  all  that 

knew  him." 

"  A  just  war  may  be  prosecuted  in  a  very  unjust  maimer  ;  by  perfidious 

breaches  of  our  word,  by cruelties,  and  by  assassinations." 

"  Each  social  feeling  fell, 

And  joyless pervades 

And  petrifies  the  heart." 


i.' 


262  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  The  unfortunate  young  prince  was ly  assassinated  in  his  moth- 
er's arms." 

"  Among  the s  he  exercised  during  his  progress,  none  was  more  hor- 
rible than  the  massacre  of  the  Alexandrians;  he  led  the  people  out 
of  their  city,  surrounded  them  with  his  soldiers,  and  ordered  them  all  to 
be  cut  down." 

"  The  more  these  praises  were  enlarged,  the  more was  the  pun»- 

ishment,  and  the  sufferer  more  innocent" 

"  Relentless  love  the  cruel  mother  led 
The  blood  of  her  unhappy  babes  to  shed ; 
Love  lent  the  sword,  the  mother  struck  the  blow, 

she,  but  more thou." 

"  Whether  it  was  that  her  son  had  instigated  it,  or  that  she  had  herself 

given  some  offence,  or  from  the  mere  wantonness  of ty,  Henry  now 

gave  orders  for  the  execution  of  the  Countess  of  Salisbury.^ 


Defective — Faulty, 
That  is  defective  which  is  wanting  in  some  respect.  That 
is  faulty  which  has  what  it  ought  not  to  have.  What  is  de- 
fective requires  something  to  be  supplied ;  what  is  faulty 
requires  something  to  be  corrected.  A  book  which  wants 
a  leaf  is  defective  ;  a  book  containing  a  leaf  which  belongs 
to  another  book  is  faulty.  The  same  distinction  is  to  be 
made  between  the  nouns  defect  and  fault.  The  former  im- 
plies the  absence  of  something  right ;  the  latter,  the  presence 
of  something  wrong. 

iBur.  And  as  our  vineyards,  fallows,  meads  and  hedges, 
Defective  in  their  natures,  grow  to  wildness  ; 
Even  so  our  houses,  and  ourselves,  and  children, 
Have  lost,  or  do  not  learn,  for  want  of  time, 
The  sciences  that  should  become  our  country. 

Henry  T.,  v.  2. 
Crom.  men  so  noble, 

However  faulty,  yet  should  find  respect 

For  what  they  have  been :  'tis  a  cruelty 

To  load  a  falling  man.  Henry  VIII.,  v.  2. 

Like  of  his  like,  his  image  multiplied 

In  unity  defective P.  L.,  viii.  425. 

The  image  of  God  in  man,  created  once 

So  goodly  and  erect,  though  faulty  since 

Id.,xi.  509.] 

Exercise. 

The  system  was  found  to  be in  many  points :  the  arrangement 

was  so  confused,  that  it  not  unfrequently  puzzled  rather  than  enlightened 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  263 

the  inquirer ;  and,  on  several  questions  connected  with  the  subject,  it  gave 
BO  information  whatever. 

It  was  not  until  several  games  had  been  played,  that  the  cards  were 

found  to  be ;  a  discovery  made  by  two  of  the  players  throwing 

down  the  same  card  simultaneously ;  it  was  consequently  agreed  that  all  the 
money  won  during  the  preceding  part  of  the  evening  should  be  restored  to 
its  original  owners. 

The  book  was  very  badly  printed,  and  so ,  that  there  was  scarcely 

a  page  in  which  several  emendations  were  not  required. 

In  order  to  render  the  work  useful,  it  was  found  necessary  to  correct  its 
,  and  supply  its . 

It  is  perhaps  better  that  a  work  should  be  than  ,  for 

■  will  often  happen  in  the  haste  of  composition ;    whereas 


may  generally  be  traced  either   to   the   author's  ignorance  or  imperfect 
knowledge.  ^ 

"  The  low  race  of  men  take  a  secret  pleasure  in  finding  an  eminent 

character  levelled  to  their  condition  by  a  report  of  its ,  and  keep 

themselves   in    countenance,  though    they  are    excelled   in    a   thousand 
virtues,  if  they  believe  that  they  have  in  common  with  a  great  person  any 


Excessive — Immoderate, 
He  who  exceeds,  goes  beyond — he  who  is  immoderate, 
does  not  keep  within  bounds.  Consequently  the  distinction 
between  excessive  and  •immoderate  is  as  positive  and  nega- 
tive. They  who  do  not  restrain  their  appetites  within  the 
bounds  prescribed  by  nature,  eat  immoderately ;  they  who 
load  the  stomach  to  satiety,  eat  to  excess.  An  immoderate 
indulgence  in  the  pleasures  of  the  table  produces  uneasiness  ; 
excessive  indulgence  in  the  same  pleasures  puts  us  in  danger 
of  a  surfeit,  or  apoplexy.  Immoderate  is  opposed  to  tempe- 
rate ;  excessive  to  defective.  Excessive  is  frequently  used  in 
a  favorable  sense  ;  immoderate,  always  in  a  bad  sense. 

iLaf.  Moderate  lamentation  is  the  right  of  the  dead,  excessive  grief  the  enemy 
to  the  living.  AWs  Well,  J^c,  i.  1. 

Claud.  As  surfeit  is  the  father  of  much  fast, 
So  every  scope  by  the  immoderate  use 

Turns  to  restraint. Meas.  for  Meas.,  i.  3. 

But  pain  is  perfect  misery,  the  worst 

Of  evils,  and  excessive,  overturns 

All  patience  P.  !».,  vi.  463.] 


264  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise, 

Who  knows  not  the  languor  that  attends  every indulgence  in 

pleasure  ? 

"  One  of  the  first  objects  of  wish  to  every  one  is  to  maintain  a  proper 
place  and  rank  in  society :  this,  among  the  vain  and  ambitious,  is  always 

the  favourite  aim.     With  them  it  arises  to expectations  founded  on 

their  supposed  talents  and  imagined  merits." 

*'  A  man  must  be ly  stupid  as  well  as  uncharitable,  who  believes 

there  is  no  virtue  but  on  his  own  side." 

"  One  means  very  effectual  for  the  preservation  of  health  is  a  quiet  and 
cheerful  mind,  not  afflicted  by  passions,  or  distracted  with cares." 

•'  If  panicum  be  laid  below  and  about  the  bottom  of  a  root,  it  will  cause 
the  root  to  grow  to  an bigness." 

eating  takes  away  sound  sleep  ;  eating  disorders  the  di- 
gestive funolions, 

"  Moderation  is  a  virtue  of  no  small  importance  to  those  who  find 

in  every  thing  to  be  an  evil." 

"  It  is  wisely  ordered  in  our  present  state  that  joy  and  fear,  hope  and 
^ief,  should  act  alternately  as  checks  and  balances  upon  each  other,  in 
order  to  prevent  an in  any  of  them." 

"  His  death  was  caused  by  an use  of  opiates." 


SECTION  V. 

MISCELLANEOUS  SYNONYMES. 


There  are  many  cases  in  which,  it  is  extremely  difficult  to 
discover  any  principle  by  which  the  difTerences  of  words  can 
be  accounted  for.  Though,  as  we  have  already  shewn,  it  is 
very  possible  to  form,  to  a  certain  extent,  a  classification  of 
differences,  by  referring  them,  in  different  cases,  to  a  distinct 
principle ;  there  are  many  pairs  of  words  whose  difference 
does  not  appear  to  depend  on  any  uniformly  directing  prin- 
ciple, but  seems  the  result  of  a  mere  caprice  of  language. 
These  cases  baffle  all  attempts  at  classifying,  and  we  must, 
therefore,  be  content  to  consider  them  under  the  head  of 
"  Miscellaneous."  Here  it  will  be  found  that  a  different  cause 
operates  in  each  single  pair,  so  that  we  shall  here  learn  no- 
thing more  than  the  explanation  of  the  difference  in  each  indi- 
vidual case,  and  this  explanation  will  suggest  no  certain  rule 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  265 

in  other  cases  of  difficulty.  But  when  we  consider  the  sub- 
tile nature  of  the  human  mind,  and  the  almost  infinite  variety 
of  shades  and  forms  which  language  assumes,  we  shall  not  be 
surprised  at  this  difficulty.  Some  tinge  of  colouring,  some 
almost  imperceptible  shade,  will  be  found  to  exist  in  one, 
which  does  not  belong  to  the  other,  and  this  so  capricious, 
and  so  infinitely  various,  that  it  is  impossible  to  classify  such 
words,  or  collect  those  among  them  in  which  any  one  prin- 
ciple is  found  to  act  uniformly.  The  following  synonymes  are 
of  this  nature,  for  the  study  of  which  the  learner  is  referred  to 
the  explanations  under  each  pair. 


A  ccen  t — Emphasis . 

An  accent  is  a  stress  or  leaning  of  the  voice  on  certain  syl- 
lables in  every  word,  by  which  those  syllables  are  more  vig- 
orously pronounced  than  others.  An  emphasis  is  a  stress  of 
the  voice  on  certain  words,  by  which  those  words  are  promi- 
nently distinguished  in  a  sentence.  Accent  respects  the  pro- 
nunciation of  a  word  ;  emphasis  respects  the  meaning  of 
the  sentence.  To  pronounce  the  word  nature  with  the  strain 
on  the  second  syllable  (thus,  nature)  would  be  a  fault  of  ac- 
cent. To  give  the  same  force  to  every  word  in  a  sentence,  is 
to  read  without  emphasis. 

iLen. prophecying,  with  accents  terrible, 

Of  dire  combustion,  and  confused  eveni^^s, 

Macbeth,  ii.  3. 
Ham.  What  is  he,  whose  grief 
Bears  such  an  emphasis?  Hamlet,  v.  1. 

And  with  persuasive  accent  thus  began. 

P.  L.,  11.  118. 

the  sacred  Book 

In  dusty  sequestration  wrapt  too  long 
Assumes  the  accents  of  our  native  tongue. 

Wordsworth.    *  Ecdes.  SonnetsJ'i 

Exercise. 

In  the  time  of  the  Commonwealth,  the of  many  words  In  the 

Enghsh  language  was  unfixed.     In  the  "  Paradise  Lost"  of  Milton,  several 

words  are  found  with  an different  from  that  with  which  they  are 

now  pronounced. 

23 


266  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES  1 

In  every  sentence,  there  are  certain  words  which  require  a  greater  strew 
of  the  voice  in  reading  than  others.    This  stress  is  called  in  grammar  ' 

He  who  reads  without ,  reads  monotonously. 

Foreigners  are  very  liable  to  make  faults  of  — —  in  pronomicing  our 
language. 

Laying  a  strong on  these  last  words,  and  giving  me  another  in- 
quiring look  of  significance,  the  stranger  quitted  the  room,  leaving  me  in  a 
state  of  confusion  and  conjecture,  which  may  be  more  easily  imagined  than 
described. 

It  is  very  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  pronounce  a  dissyllable  without 
placing  a  stronger on  one  than  on  the  other  of  the  two  syllables. 

"  Those  English  syllables  which  I  call  long  ones  receive  a  peculiar  stress 
of  voice  from  their  acute  or  circumflex ,  as  in  quickly,  ddwry." 

" not  so  much  regards  the  tune,  as  a  certain  grandeur,  whereby 

some  word  or  sentence  is  rendered  more  remarkable  than  the  rest  by  a  more 
vigorous  pfi|pS|mciation,  and  a  longer  stay  upon  it." 


An  address — A  direction. 
The  difference  betvireen  an  address  and  a  direction  is,  that 
an  address  comprises  the  name  of  the  person  directed  to,  as 
well  as  the  place  at  which  he  or  she  resides.  A  direction  sig- 
nifies no  more  than  the  specification  of  a  certain  place.  The 
form  of  an  address  might  be,  Mr.  John  Smith,  19,  George-street, 
Cornwall-square.  If  I  am  told  to  address  a  letter  to  the  above 
Mr.  Smith,  I  write  down  this  form ;  but  if  some  one  ask  me 
Mr.  Smith's  direction,  I  answer  by  specifying  the  place  in 
which  he  lives,  viz.  19,  George-street,  Cornwall-square.  An 
address  comprises  a  name  and  direction ;  a  direction  excludes 
the  name.  We  do  not  address  places,  though  we  direct  to 
both  places  and  persons. 

Exercise, 

I  have  only  to  put  the to  this  letter,  and  I  will  then  accompany 

you. 

I  should  have  written  to  you  before,  but  I  had  mislaid  your ,  and 

did  not  find  it  till  this  morning. 

Can  you  give  me  Mr.  Robinson's ? 

The  name  was  written  on  the  outer  cover  of  the  parcel,  but  it  had  no 


This  trunk  being  properly ,  it  cannot  fail  to  reach  the  person  for 

^hom  it  vi  intended. 


r 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  267 

.  Those  who  travel  with  much  luggage  should  take  the  greatest  care  that 

all  their  packages  are  correctly  and  legibly » 

Put  the on  this  letter  for  me. 


Arms —  Weapons, 
In  strict  propriety  of  language,  arms  are  instruments  of  of 
fence,  and  weapons  instruments  of  defence.  According  to  this 
distinction,  swords,  spears,  cross-bows,  (fee,  are  arms  ;  whilst 
helmets,  cuirasses,  and  shields  are  weapons.  This  distinction, 
however,  does  not  always  hold  good,  for  the  expression  "  mur- 
derous weapons,"  as  well  as  "  coat  of  arms,"  is  common  in 
modern  phraseology.  These  are  in  direct  opposition  to  the 
above  explanation.  The  best  distinction,  then,  to  be  made  be- 
tween these  words  is,  that  arms  are  instruments  made  expressly 
for  fighting ;  and  weapons  are  instruments  casually  used  for 
fighting.  According  to  this  distinction,  pokers,  staves,  or 
knives,  will  be  equally  weapons,  but  not  equally  arms  with 
swords,  pistols,  and  guns.  The  word  weapons  is  used  in  the 
singular  ;  arms,  never,  in  this  sense. 

iGlo.  Weapons  !  arms !    What's  the  matter  here  ? 
King  Lear^  ii.  2. 

K,  Rich.  grating  shock  of  wrathful  iron  arms 

Rich.  II.,  i.  3. 

Bru. waving  our  red  weapons  o'er  our  heads 

Let's  all  ci*y,  Peace  !  Freedom !  and  Liberty ! 

Julius  Casary  iii.  ] 

for  life 

To  noble  and  ignoble  is  more  sweet 

Untrained  in  arms,  where  rashness  leads  not  on. 

P.  L.,  xii.  222 
Far  other  arms  and  weapons  must 
Be  those,  that  quell  the  might  of  hellish  charms. 

Comus,  612. 
This  is  the  happy  Warrior ;  this  is  He 
That  every  Man  in  arms  should  wish  to  be. 

Wordsworth.     *  Character  of  the  Happy  Warrior,* 
While  we  go  forth,  a  self-devoted  crowd. 
With  weapons  grasped  in  fearless  hands,  to  assert 
Our  virtue,  and  to  vindicate  mankind. 

*  Sonnets  to  lAberty.^l 

Exercise, 

The  bayonet  is  a  formidable ;  it  was  so  called  from  having  been 

first  made  at  Bayonne. 


i 


268  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

Fire are  an  invention  of  the  middle  ages. 

The  garrison,  after  sustaining  a  ten  months'  siege,  in  which  they  endured 
all  the  horrors  of  disease  and  famine,  capitulated  on  condition  of  being  al- 
lowed to  march  out  with  their ,  and  go  wherever  they  pleased. 

The with  which  the  deed  was  perpetrated  was  found,  after  a  long 

search,  in  a  field  at  some  distance  from  the  house. 

The used  by  the  savages  of  the  Pacific  are  chiefly  stakes  burnt  at 

one  end,  and  sharpened  with  fish-bones. 

He  defended  himself  against  the  fury  of  the  populace  with  whatever 
chance  threw  in  his  way. 

"  Here  the  pavement  is  upturned — here  the  torch  is  planted — here  the 
-  is  prepared  ;  everywhere  you  may  see  the  women  mingling  with  the 


men,  now  sharing  their  labours,  now  binding  up  their  wounds." 

"  The  native  Greeks  had  that  mark  of  a  civilized  people,  that  they  never 

bore during  the  time  of  peace,  unless  the  wearer  chanced  to  be 

numbered  among  those  whose  military  profession  and  employment  required 
them  to  be  always  in '* 


Beast — Brute. 

A  wild  animal  is  a  brute ;  a  tamed  animal  is  a  beast.  Ac- 
cording to  this  distinction,  lions,  tigers,  leopards,  &c.,  are 
brutes  ;  whilst  horses,  oxen,  sheep,  &c.,  are  beasts.  The 
prominent  idea  in  X\^  word  brute  is  the  presence  of  ferocity 
and  unrestrained  passion  ;  the  leading  idea  in  the  word  beast 
is  absence  of  reason.  Taylor  remarks  :  "  We  say  beasts  of 
burden  ;  never  brutes  of  burden."  A  tamed  brute  becomes  a 
beast.  The  brutes  of  the  forest  ;  the  beasts  of  the  field. 
Applied  as  terms  of  reproach,  a  man  is  called  a  brute  when 
he  abuses  his  strength  ;  he  is  called  a  beast  when  he  abuses 
his  reason  by  sensual  indulgence. 

ZAnt.  O  judgment  thou  art  fled  to  brutish  beasts, 

And  men  have  lost  their  reason. 

Jul.  Cces.,  ill.  2 

Ham. a  beast  that  wants  discourse  of  reason 

Would  have  mourned  longer Hamlet,  i.  2. 

The  visage  quite  transforms  of  him  that  drinks 
And  the  inglorious  likeness  of  a  beast 
Fixes  instead,  immouldmg  reason's  mintage 

Comus,  528 
With  lickerish  baits,  fit  to  ensnare  a  brute 

Id.,  700. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  269 


-  beast  and  bird,  the  lamb 


The  shepherd's  dog,  the  linnet  and  the  thrush 

Vied  with  this  waterfall 

Wordsworth.    '  On  Naming  of  Places  * 

See  the  first  mighty  Hunter  leave  the  brute— 
To  chase  mankind,  with  men  in  armies  packed 
For  his  field  pastime  high  and  absolute 

*  Poems  to  Liberty.^2 

Exercise, 

"  There  is  no  opposing force  to  the  stratagems  of  human  reason.* 

"  The  royal ,  with  his  usual  generosity,  immediately  set  the  little 

trembling  captive  at  liberty." 

"  Medea's  charms  were  there,  Circean  feasts. 

With  bowls  that  turn  enamoured  youths  to " 

."  As  nature  has  framed  the  several  species  of   beings  as  it  were  in 
a  chain,  so  man  seems  to  be  placed  as  the  middle  link  between  angels  and 


"  Returning  home  last  night,  I  was  met  by  my  old  mastiff.  Carlo,  who 
came  bounding  towards  me,  and  barking  with  joy  at  seeing  me  again. 
Suddenly,  I  observed  that  he  ceased  barking,  and  limped  in  walking.     I 

called  him  to  me,  and   upon  examination  discovered  that  the  poor 

had  cut  one  of  his  fore-paws  very  severely." 

"  The philosopher  who  ne'er  has  proved 

The  joy  of  loving  or  of  being  loved." 

"  Even  animals   make  use  of    this   artificial    way  of   making 

divers  motions,  to  have  several  significations,  to  call,  warn,  chide,  cherish, 
threaten." 


A  consequence — A  result, 
A  consequence  is  that  which,  of  necessity,  follows  an  action, 
or  a  course  of  life  ;  a  result  is  produced  by  combination. 
Ruin  is  the  consequence  of  extravagance  ;  four  is  the  result 
of  the  addition  of  two  and  two.  The  primary  meaning  of  the 
word  consequence  may  be  illustrated  by  the  swell  which  al- 
ways follows  in  the  wake  of  a  steam-vessel ;  it  is  that  which 
cannot  but  follow.  In  the  same  way,  a  result  is  the  re- 
bounding of  a  ball,  or  any  thing  elastic,  which  is  struck 
against  a  wall.  In  this  case,  the  result  will  not  always  be 
the  same  ;  it  will  depend  on  the  elasticity  of  the  ball,  the 
hardness  of  the  wall,  and  the  force  of  the  throw.  Many 
circumstances,  then,  enter  into  the  calculation  of  a  result, 

23* 


270  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

which  is  not  the  case  with  a  consequence.  There  may  be 
many  steps  in  a  calculation  before  we  arrive  at  a  result :  con- 
sequences are  invariable  and  more  immediate  ;  they  arise  out 
of  the  very  nature  of  things. 

iBass.  here  choose  I ;  Joy  be  the  consequence ! 

Merch.  of  Few.,  iii  2 
Remember  what  I  warn  thee,  snun  to  taste 
And  shun  the  bitter  consequence 

P.  L.y  viii.  328. 
Then  of  their  session  ended  they  bid  cry 
With  trumpets'  regal  sound  the  great  result 

Id.,  515. 

Festive  songs 

Break  from  the  maddened  nations  at  the  sight 
Of  sudden  overthrow ;  and  cold  neglect 
Is  the  sure  consequence  of  slow  decay. 

*  The  Excursion,^  vU.] 

Exercise, 

A  premature  decay  of  aH  the  vital  functions  is  the  natural of  a 

vicious  life. 

According  to  the  account  received  yesterday,  fortune  then  appeared  in- 
clined to  favor  the  opposite  party ;  but  whatever  may  be  the ,  it  will 

be  generally  known  to-morrow. 

His  health  suffered  severely  in of  excessive  study  during  his  youth, 

and,  at  a  period  of  life  when  most  men  enjoy  the  greatest  physical  and  men- 
tal vigour,  he  had  lost  all  his  energy  and  elasticity  of  mind. 

When  you  have  well  discussed  the  matter,  and  come  to  some  conclusion 

as  to  your  intention,  you  will  let  me  know  the . 

"  Shun  the  bitter ,  for  know, 

The  day  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt  die." 

"  The  state  of  the  world  is  continually  changing,  and  none  can  tell  the 
of  the  next  vicissitude." 


"  Jealousy  often  draws  after  it  a  fatal  train  of  - 


A  contest — A  conflict. 
A  contest  is  a  strife  which  arises  between  two  or  more  per- 
sons for  some  common  object ;  a  conflict  is  the  violent  meeting 
of  two  parties  incensed  against  each  other.  A  contest  may 
be,  and  often  has  been,  decided  by  a  conflict.  In  the  history 
of  the  wars  of  the  "  Roses,"  the  contending  parties  were  the 
Houses  of  York  and  Lancaster,  and  in  the  course  of  the  con- 
test for  the  crown,  a  series  of  conflicts  took  place.     Contests 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNOxVYMES.  271 

do  not  of  necessity  imply  violence,  but  conflicts  are  always 
desperate  and  sanguinary.  A  man  perishes  in  a  conflict,  and 
is  defeated  in  a  contest. 

[Edm.  I  will  persevere  ia.  my  course  of  loyalty  though  the  conflict  be  sore  be- 
tween that  and  my  blood.  King  Lear,  iii,  5. 
Thus  they  in  mutual  accusation  spent 
The  fruitless  hours,  but  neither  self-condemmng 
And  of  their  vain  contest  appeared  no  end. 

P.  L.,  ix.  1189. 

dire  was  the  noise 

Of  conflict, Id.,  vi.  212. 

When  he  had  crushed  a  plentiful  estate 
By  ruinous  contest,  to  obtain  a  seat 

In  Britain's  senate. *  The  Excursiojt,^  n. 

that  Soul, 

Which  with  the  motion  of  a  virtuous  act 
Flashes  a  look  of  terror  upon  guilt, 
Is,  after  conflict,  quiet  as  the  ocean, 
By  a  miraculous  finger  stilled  at  once, 

*  The  Borderers.''^ 

Exercise, 

«*  Soon  after,  the  death  of  the  king  furnished  a  general  subject  for  poeti- 

eal ." 

"  Bare,  unhoused  trunks. 

To  the ing  elements  exposed." 

"  A  definition  is  the  only  way  whereby  the  meaning  of  words  can  be 

known,  without  leaving  room  for about  it." 

"  Happy  is  the  man  w^ho,  in  the of  desire  between  God  and  the 

world,  can  oppose  not  only  argument  to  argument,  but  pleasure  to  pleasure." 

"  Leave  all  noisy ,  all  immodest  clamours,  and  brawling  language." 

"  Lashed  into  foam,  the  fierce ing  brine 

Seems  o'er  a  thousand  raging  waves  to  bum." 

"  If  he  attempt  this  great  change,  with  what  labour  and must  he 

accomplish  it?" 

The  third  candidate,  finding  there  was  no  chance  of  success,  withdrew 

from  the . 

"  No  assurance  touching  victories  can  make  present so  sweet  and 

easy,  but  nature  will  shrink  from  them." 


Discretion — Prudence. 
Prudence  is  the  quality  which  enables  us  to  foresee  proba- 
bilities, and  to  act  accordingly.     Discretion  has  to  do  with 
tangible  realities — with  things  that  are  before  us.     The  pru- 


272  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

dent  man  prepares  for  what  is  coming ;  the  discreet  man 
judges  of  present  affairs.  We  are  determined  by  our  prudence 
to  follow  one  course  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others  ;  we  are  de- 
termined by  our  discretion  to  do  one  of  two  things.  It  is  pru- 
dent to  provide  against  bad  weather ;  it  is  discreet  not  to  al- 
lude to  an  offensive  subject. 

[.Ham.  Be  not  too  tame  neither,  but  let  your  own  discretion  be  your  tutor 

Hamlet,  iii.  2. 
Kath.  A  prince  most  prudent,  of  an  excellent 

And  unmatched  wit  and  judgment. 

Henry  VIIL,  ii.  4. 

that  what  she  wills  to  do  or  say 

Seems  wisest,  virtuousest,  discreetest,  best. 

P.  L.J  viii.  550. 

what  the  lofty  grave  tragedians  taught 

In  chorus  or  iambick,  teachers  best 

Of  moral  prudence P.  R.,  iv.  26a.] 

Exercise. 

Nature  has  been  likened  to  a mother,  who  not  only  supplies  her 

children's  press  t  wants,  but  provides  against  their  future  necessities. 

It  is  a  strong  proof  of  in to  speak  of  family  affairs  before  all  per- 
sons indiscriminately. 

Horace  calls  the  ant  a animal,  who,  not  regardless  of  the  future, 

employs  herself  in  the  summer  in  laying  up  a  store  of  food  against  the  se- 
verity of  the  winter  season. 

No person  will  ever  allude  to  subjects  which  he  knows  to  be  dis- 
agreeable to  those  with  whom  he  converses. 

is  more  required  in  the  management  of  present  affairs, in 

that  of  future :  by  the  former,  we  determine  promptly  what  to  do  or  what 
not  to  do  in  the  exigency  of  the  moment ;  by  the  latter,  we  predetermine 
what  shall  be  most  expedient  for  the  future.  Both  qualities  are  not  only 
desirable,  but  actually  indispensable  in  the  regulation  of  the  common  affairs 
of  human  life. 

"  Let  your  own 

be  your  tutor.     Suit  the  action 

To  the  word." 

"  The  ignorance  in  which  we  are  left  concerning  good  and  evil  is  not 
such  as  to  supersede in  conduct." 


Endurance — Duration . 
These  words  are  not  strictly  synonymous ;  but  as  they  are 
frequently  mistaken  for  one  another,  it  may  be  useful  to  shew 


ON   ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  273 

in  what  they  differ.  Endurance  is  the  power  of  bearing  up 
against  insults  or  misfortunes  ;  duration  signifies  merely  a 
continuance  of  time.  The  idea  of  time  enters  into  the  mean- 
ing of  both  words,  for  endurance  is  the  power  of  bearing  with 
for  a  length  of  time.  Without  duration,  we  should  have  no 
opportunity  of  enduring. 

iBene. she  misused  me  past  the  endurance  of  a  block. 

Muc^  Ado,  4c.,  ii.  1 

work  ease  out  of  pain 

Through  labour  and  endurance. P.  L.,  ii.  263. 

Her  mind  she  strictly  tutored  to  find  peace 

And  pleasure  in  endurance. '  The  Excursion,^  vi.J 

Exercise. 

"  It  has  been  my  lot  to frequent  visitations  of  ill-health,  although 

my  muscular  frame  is  strong,  and  I  am  capable  of  bearing  great  privation 
and  almost  any  exertion  of  mere  bodily  fatigue." 

"  Aristotle,  by  greatness  of  action,  does  not  only  mean  it  should  be  great 
m  its  nature,  but  also  in  its ,  that  it  should  have  a  due  length  in  it." 

"  Their  fortitude  was  most  admirable  in  their  patience  and of  all 

evils,  of  pain  and  of  death." 

" ^  is  a  circumstance  so  essential  to  happiness,  that  if  we  conceived 

it  possible  for  the  joys  of  heaven  itself  to  pass  from  us  in  an  instant,  W6 
should  find  ourselves  not  much  concerned  for  the  attainment  of  them." 

**  How  miserable  his  state  who    is  condemned  to at  once  the 

pangs  of  guilt  and  the  vexations  of  calamity  !" 

"  I  think  another  probable  conjecture  (respecting  the  soul's  immortality) 
may  be  raised  from  our  appetite  to itself." 

**  I  would  fain  know  whether  that  man  takes  a  rational  course  to  preserve 

himself,  who  refuses  the of  these  higher  troubles,  to  secure  himself 

from  a  condition  infinitely  more  miserable  ?" 


An  era — An  epoch 
The  words  era  and  epoch  are  both  employed  to  mark  speci- 
fied times  of  events.  An  era  expresses  the  duration  of  time 
for  which  events  are  computed  chronologically ;  an  epoch  is  a 
point  of  time,  distinguished  by  some  remarkable  circumstance, 
from  which  events  are  reckoned.  The  era  of  Rome  lasted 
from  753  b.  c.  to  the  birth  of  Christ;  the  Christian  era,  from 
the  birth  of  Christ  to  the  present  time.  The  nativity  of  Christ 
is  the  epoch  from  which  modern  European  chronology  is  com- 


274  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

puted.  The  Hegira,  or  flight  of  Mahomet,  a.  d.  623,  is  the 
epoch  from  which  the  Arabians  date. 

Exercise. 

Seneca,  the  Roman  philosopher,  was  bom  at  the  beghmmg  of  the  Chris- 
tian . 

The  foundation  of  their  city  was  the from  which  the  Romans 

dated  the  events  of  their  history. 

The  Christian commenced  in  the  seven  hundred  and  fifty-third 

year  of  the  building  of  Rome. 

The of  the  Julian ,  which  precedes  the  common  or  Chris- 
tian   by  forty-five  years,  is  the  reformation  of  the  Roman  calendar 

by  Julius  CsBsar. 

In  the  tenth  century,  many  sovereigns  dated  their  instruments  from  the 
different of  their  reign. 

"  The  commencement  of  the  reign  of  William  the  Conqueror  is  usually 
dated  from  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Hastings,  viz.  Saturday,  the  14th  of 

October,  1066;  but,  according  to  Vilaine,  it  was  dated  from  two ; 

the  one,  the  death  of  Edward  the  Confessor,  which  occurred  on  the  5th  of 
January,  1066 ;  and  the  other,  William's  coronation,  which  took  place  at 
Westminster,  on  Christmas-day  in  that  year." 

*'  Their  several or  beginnings,  as  from  the  Creation  of  the  world, 

from  the  Flood,  from  the  first  Olympiad,  from  the  building  of  Rome,  or  from 
any  remarkable  passage  or  accident,  give  us  a  pleasant  prospect  into  the 
histories  of  antiquity,  and  of  former  ages." 


A  fault — a  mistake, 

A  fault  IS  an  error  of  judgment ;  a  mistake  is  an  error  of 
perception.  When  we  determine  wrongly,  we  commit  a 
fault ;  when  we  perceive  wrongly,  we  make  a  mistake.  A 
mistake  is  less  grave  than  a  fault.  Children  are  apt  to  make 
mistakes  ;  men  often  commit  faults.  A  child  that  would  copy 
a  j9  for  a  y  would  make  a  mistake  ;  i.  e.  he  would  take  one 
for  the  other.  To  allow  children  to  do  as  they  please  is  a 
great  fault.  The  writer  was  once  asked  whether  the  Greeks 
were  called  Hellenes  because  they  were  descended  from 
Helen,  the  wife  of  Menelaus :  that  was  a  mistake,  the 
questioner  mistook  Helen  for  Hellen. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  275 

iKing. But  'tis  not  so  above  : 

There  is  no  shuffling,  there  the  action  lies 

In  his  true  nature ;  and  we  ourselves  compelled 

Even  to  the  teeth  and  forehead  of  our  faults 

To  give  in  evidence. Hamlet,  iii.  3. 

Ariel.  Remember,  I  have  done  thee  worthy  service ; 

Told  thee  no  lies,  made  no  mistakings 

Tempest,  i.  2. 
Millions  of  spirits  for  his  fault  amerced 
Of  heaven,  and  from  eternal  splendours  flung 

For  his  revolt, P.  Z».,  u.  609 

He  never  shall  find  out  fit  mate,  but  such 
As  some  misfortune  brings  him,  or  mistake 

Id.,  ix.  900. 
For  as,  by  disciplme  of  Time  made  wise, 
We  learn  to  tolerate  the  infirmities 
And  faults  of  others— gently  as  he  may, 
So  with  our  own  the  mild  Instructor  deals 
Teaching- us  to  forget  them  or  forgive. 

Wordsworth.    *  Eccks.  Sonnets.*} 

Exercise. 

It  is  a  great to  suppose  that  children,  because  they  are  young  and 

inexperienced,  should  not  be  treated  as  reasonable  beings. 

There  can  be  little  doubt  that  many  of  the which  are  so  preva- 
lent in  early  youth  might  be  much  modified,  if  not  altogether  prevented,  by 
a  judicious  education. 

The  young,  though  gifted  with  great  abilities,  are  more  liable  than  their 
coders  to  make in  the  conduct  of  life,  from  want  of  experience. 

Instead  of  prying  into  the of  others,  w©  should  take  care  to  bo 

free  from  them  ourselves. 

The of  the  work  are  so  glaring,  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  most 

inattentive  reader  not  to  be  struck  with  them. 

When  my  uncle  first  saw  his  friend  after  so  long  an  absence,  he  was  so 
catered  that  he  did  not  recognize  him,  and  took  him  for  some  casual  fre- 
quenter of  the  same  hotel ;  but  on  discovering  his ,  he  inunediately 

apologized  for  his  apparent  rudeness. 

"  To  be  desirous  of  a  good  name,  and  careful  to  do  every  thing  that  we 

innocently  may  to  obtain  it,  is  so  far  from  being  a ,  even  in  private 

persons,  that  it  is  their  great  and  indispensable  duty." 

"  It  happened  that  the  king  himself  passed  through  the  gallery  during  this 

debate,  and  smiling  at  the of  the  dervise,  asked  him  how  he  could 

possibly  be  so  dull  as  not  to  distinguish  a  palace  from  a  caravansary." 


An  idea — a  notion 
I        An  idea  is  an  impression  made  on  the  mind  by  something 
external ;    a  notion   is   whatever  we   know   about   a  thing. 


276  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

These  words  have  been  much  confounded,  and  in  common 
language  are  very  frequently  used  the  one  for  the  other.  If  I 
mention  the  word  horse  to  one  who  has  seen  that  animal,  the 
word  recalls  to  his  mind  the  idea  of  the  animal ;  but,  if  I 
make  any  affirmation  about  the  horse — as,  the  horse  is  swift — 
I  express  a  notion,  or  what  I  know  about  the  horse. 

iFriar.  The  idea  of  her  life  shall  sweetly  creep 
Into  his  study  of  imagination.  Much  Ado,  4-c.,  iv.  2 

Macb.       that  might, 

To  half  a  soul,  and  a  notion  crazed, 

Say,  thus  did  Banquo.  Macbeth,  iii.  1. 

Thence  to  behold  this  new-created  world, 

The  addition  of  his  empire,  how  it  showed 

In  prospect  from  his  throne,  how  good,  how  fair 

Answering  his  great  idea. P  L.,  vii.  557. 

unless  we  ourselves 


Seek  them  with  wandering  thoughts,  and  notions  vam 

Id.,  viii.  187. 
Unhallowed  actions— planted  like  a  crown 
Upon  the  insolent  aspiring  brow 
Of  spurious  notions— worn  as  open  signs 
Of  prejudice  subdued *  The  Excursion,^  ii.J 

Exercise. 

It  was  not  long  before  we  found  him  of  no  assistance  whatever  ;  he  had 

not  a  single upon  the  subject,  and  consequently,  he  made  so  many 

Wunders,  that  he  rather  retarded  than  forwarded  the  work  we  were  engaged 
upon. 

His  work,   though  it  displayed   no   inconsiderable   talent,   was  so   full 

of  strange and  odd  fancies,  that  few  gave  themselves  the  trouble 

to  read  it,  and  it  soon  was  neglected  to  a  degree  which  it  really  did  not  quite 
deserve. 

Those  who  are  deprived  of  the  sense  of  hearing  or  sight,  can  have  but 
very  imperfect of  sound  or  colour. 

He  was  full  of  the  most  extravagant of  the  construction  of  the 

world,  and  the  planetary  system,  and  would  indulge  in  the  Wildest  theories 
upon  all  sorts  of  speculative  questions. 

Those  who  compose  for  the  first  time,  generally  find  themselves  at  a  loss 

in  two  ways :  firstly  they  want ,  and  secondly,  when  they  have 

them,  they  do  not  know  how  to  arrange  them. 


A  method — a  mode. 
The  method  is  the  theory  upon  which  the  mode  is  built. 
Method  regards  the  contrivance ;  mode,  the  practice.     Bell 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  277 

and  Lancaster  invented  methods  of  teaching.  The  method  is 
the  arrangement  of  the  plan,  which  is  worked  out  by  the 
modes  of  practice  which  it  pursues.  The  method  is  in  the 
mind  ;  the  mode,  in  the  hand.  Methods  are  ingenious  or  er- 
roneous. Modes  are  skilful  or  clumsy.  The  Chinese  method 
of  building  differs  greatly  from  that  of  the  English.  Running, 
jumping,  leaping,  &c.,  are  various  modes  of  action  by  which 
a  method  of  gymnastics  is  worked  out. 

iPol.  Though  this  be  madness,  yet  there's  method  in  it. 

Hamlet,  ii.  2. 
K.  Hen.  For  all  my  reign  hath  been  but  as  a  scene 
Acting  that  argument ;  and  now  my  death 

Changes  the  mode 2  Henry  IV.,  iv.  4 

Another  method  I  must  now  begin       P.  R.,  iv.  540. 
God's  altar  to  disparage,  and  displace 

For  one  of  Syrian  mode P.  L.,  i.  474. 

Powers  there  are 

That  touch  each  other  to  the  quick,  in  modes 

Which  the  gross  world  no  sense  hath  to  perceive 

No  soul  to  dream  of. Wordsworth.    *  Tour  in  Scotland.^] 

Exercise. 

The  whole differs  from  the  old  one  in  being  much  more  simple, 

effecting  a  great  deal  more  in  a  shorter  time,  and  in  making  it  much  less 
likely  for  the  machine  to  get  out  of  order. 

A  duty  being  once  resolved  upon,  there  will  be  little  difficulty  in  de- 
termining the of  performing  it. 

"  Although  a  faculty  be  born  with  us,  there  are  several for  culti- 
vating and  improving  it,  and  without  which  it  will  be  very  uncertain." 

The of  teaching  used  in  schools  are  at  the  present  day  far  su- 
perior to  those  in  general  practice  fifty  years  ago. 

There  are  certain of  expression  which  vary  with  the  times,  the 

fashion  of  our  clothes  being  not  more  subject  to  alteration  than  that  of  speech. 

To  understand  the  nature  of  a  disease,  and  the  proper of  curing 

it,  belongs  to  a  skill,  the  study  of  which  is  full  of  toil,  and  the  practice  be- 
set with  difficulties. 

" s  of  speech,  which  owe  their  prevalence  to  modish  folly,  die 

away  with  their  inventors." 

"  Men  are  willing  to  try  all s  of  reconciling  guilt  and  quiet." 


An  observance — an  observation. 
These  words  are  both  derived  from  the  Latin  observare,  to 
keep,  and  are  used  as  follows  : — An  observance,  is  the  keeping 

24 


278  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

of  a  rule  or  law  by  the  performance  of  the  outward  ceremonies 
which  it  enjoins.  An  observation  is  the  keeping  of  a  fact  in 
the  mind,  for  the  convenience  of  adverting  to  it  at  some 
future  time.  The  intention  of  an  observance  is  the  fulfilment 
of  a  religious  or  moral  duty ;  the  intention  of  an  observation 
is  to  increase  our  own  information,  or  that  of  others.  We 
speak  of  astronomical  observations,  and  of  the  observance  of 
the  laws. 

iHam. it  is  a  custom 

More  honoured  in  the  breach  than  the  observance. 

Hamlet,  L  4. 
iHam.  All  saws  of  books,  all  forms,  all  pressures  past 
That  youth  and  observation  copied  there 

Id.,  i.  5. 
And  from  affectionate  observance  gain 
Help,  under  every  change  of  adverse  fate. 

Wordsworth.    '  DionJ' 
The  imaginative  faculty  was  lord 
Of  observations  natural.  *  The  Excursion,^  i.] 

Exercise, 

Without  a  strict of  the  principles  of  morality,  no  man  can  be  con- 
sidered a  good  citizen,  or  a  useful  member  of  society. 

His are  full  of  good  sense,  and  he  has  treated  the  whole  subject 

with  the  greatest  perspicuity. 

There  is  no  country  in  Europe  where  the of  the  Sabbath  is  so 

strictly  attended  to  as  in  England. 

A  habit  of ,  and  the  power  of  concentrating  our  attention  strongly 

on  whatever  may  be  the  object  of  our  inquiry,  are  necessary  qualifications 
for  the  acquirement  of  solid  information. 

During  the  middle  ages,  the  numerous  and  various  religious  ceremonies 

enjoined  to  the  faithful,  together  with  the  strict of  fasts  and  hohdays, 

interfered  considerably  with  the  industry  of  the  people,  and  were  a  strong 
bar  to  the  advancement  of  this  country  in  commercial  enterprise. 

Many  learn  more  from than  from  rules. 

"  Some  represent  to  themselves  the  whole  of  religion  as  consisting  in  a 
few  easy ,  and  never  lay  the  least  restraint  on  the  business  or  diver- 
sions of  this  life." 

"  The  rules  of  our  practice  are  taken  from  the  conduct  of  such  persons 
as  fall  within  our ." 


I 


Pride — Vanity. 
The  proud  man  is  self-satisfied — wrapped  up  in  his  own 
estimation — careless  of  the  opinions  of  others.     The  vain  man 


ON   ENGLISH   SYNONYMES.  279 

^as  little  or  no  merit,  and  is  greedy  of  praise  at  the  same  time 
iiat  he  is  conscious  of  not  deserving  it.  Those  who  have 
more  merit  than  others  cannot  help  being  conscious  of  it ;  but 
pride  does  not  signify  the  consciousness  of  our  own  superiori- 
ty ;  it  is  the  feeling  which,  in  over-rating  our  own  merit,  causes 
liUS  to  under-rate  that  of  others.  Pride  is  disagreeable  and  odi- 
ous ;  vanity  is  ridiculous  and  contemptible. 
I  The  qualities  hxynest  and  honorable,  when  applied  to  pride, 
deprive  it  of  its  odium,  and  make  it  a  feeling  which  no  one 
needs  be  ashamed  to  own.  He  who  has  raised  himself  in  so- 
ciety by  his  own  unaided  exertions  will  naturally  feel  an  honest 
and  proper  pride  in  his  success. 

[Chor.  Being  free  from  vainness  and  self-glorious  pride. 
Henry  V.,  v.  Chorus. 

Wol.  my  high-blown  pride 

At  length  broke  under  me Henry  VIII. j  iii.  2. 

Dan.  As  matching  to  his  youth  and  vanity, 
I  did  present  him  with  those  Paris  balls. 

Henry  V.,  li.  4 

had  not  thy  pride 

And  wandering  vanity,  when  least  was  safe 
Rejected  my  forewarning P.  L.y  x.  874 

Till  pride  and  worse  ambition  threw  me  down 

Id.,  iv.  40. 

If  thou  be  one  whose  heart  the  holy  forms 

Of  young  imagination  have  kept  pure, 

Stranger  !  henceforth  be  warned  ;  and  know  that  pride, 

Howe'er  disguised  in  its  own  majesty 

Is  littleness. Wokdswortk.    *  Poems  of  Youth  * 

One  lesson.  Shepherd,  let  us  two  divide, 

Taught  both  by  what  she  shows,  and  what  conceals  ; 
^_^   .                Never  to  blend  our  pleasure  or  our  pride 
I                       With  sorrow  of  the  meanest  thing  that  feels. 
f  '  Hart-Leap  Well' 
he  was  sincere 

As  vanity  and  fondness  for  applause, 

And  new  and  shapeless  wishes,  would  allow. 

'  TTie  Excursion,'  ii.] 

Exercise. 

He  was  a  man  of  low  intellect,  and  had  very  little  general  information ', 
and  so  absurdly ,  that  he  was  the  laughing-stock  of  the  whole  village. 

Nothing  can  be  more  intolerable  than  the of  this  new-comer ;  he 

visits  no  one,  goes  nowhere,  and  keeps  himself  in  every  respect  aloof  from 
all  the  visiters  of  the  place. 

There  is  no  feeling  more  satisfactory  than  that which  we  experi« 


280  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

ence  in  having,  by  our  own  efforts,  surmounted  an  obstacle,  or  overcome  a 
difficulty. 

is  increased  by  solitude — it  loves  to  live  alone ;   it  seeks  desert 

places,  away  from  the  haunts  of  man : on  the  contrary,  could  not 

exist  out  of  society  ;  praise  and  flattery  are  the  food  it  lives  on,  and  where  is 
it  to  find  these  in  the  desert  ? 

" makes  men  ridiculous, odious,  and  ambition,  terrible." 

"  'Tis  an  old  maxim  in  the  schools 
That 's  the  food  of  fools." 


Subsidy —  Tribute . 
Both  these  words  signify  a  sum  agreed  o  be  paid  by  one 
nation  to  anather ;  but  they  differ  in  the  following  circum- 
stances. A  subsidy  is  voluntary  ;  a  tribute  is  exacted.  A 
subsidy  is  paid  to  meet  an  exigency  ;  a  tribute  is  paid  in  ac- 
knowledgment of  subjection.  A  subsidy  is  paid  to  an  ally ; 
a  tribute  is  paid  to  a  conqueror. 

{K.  Hen.  Nor  much  oppressed  them  with  great  subsidies 
3  Henry  VI.,  iv.  8. 

Clo.  Why  tribute  1  why  should  we  pay  tribute  1  If  Caesar  can  hide  the  sun  from 
tts  with  a  blanket,  or  put  the  moon  in  his  pocket,  we  will  pay  him  tribute  for  light ; 
else,  sir,  no  more  tribute.  Ci/mbeline,  iii.  1. 

Then  meeting,  joined  their  tribute  to  the  sea 

P.  R.,  iii.  258. 

bringing  each  in  turn 

The  tribute  of  enjoyment,  knowledge,  health 

Beauty  or  strength. '  The  Excursion,^  ix.] 

Exercise. 

"  They  advised  the  king  to  send  speedy  aids,  and  with  much  alacrity 

granted  a  great  rate  of ." 

"  They  that  received  money,  said :  Doth  not  your  master  pay 

?» 


"  The paid  by  foreign  nations  was  by  far  the  most  important 

branch  of  the  public  revenue  during  the  period  of  Rome's  greatness." 

"  It  is  a  celebrated  notion  of  a  patriot,  that  a  House  of  Commons  should 

never  grant  such as  give  no  pain  to  the  people,  lest  the  nation  should 

acquiesce  under  a  burden  they  did  not  feel." 

"  The  Irish  lords  did  only  promise  to  become aries  to  King  Henry 

the  Second ;  and  such  as  only  pay are  not  properly  subjects,  but 

sovereigns." 

A  quarrel  ensued  between  the  king  and  the  Commons.  They  drew  up 
a  petition  praying  him  to  send  some ary  troops  to  defend  the  Palati- 


ON  ENGLISH   8YN0NYMES.  281 

nate,  to  declare  war  against  Spain,  and  to  marry  his  son  to  a  Protestant 
princess. 

Caesar  landing  the  next  spring,  forced  the  passage  of  the  Thames  above 
Kingston,  took  Verulamium,  received  the  submission  and  hostages  of  several 

states,  and  having  imposed ,  quitted  Britain  for  ever. 

"  To  acknowledge  this  was  all  he  did  exact. 
Small ,  where  the  will  to  pay  was  act." 


To  abbreviate — to  abridge. 
o  abbreviate  and  to  abridge  both  signify  to  shorten :  but 
to  abridge  is  to  shorten  by  condensing  or  compressing;  whilst 
to  abbreviate  is  to  shorten  by  contracting  or  cutting  off.  In 
abridgments,  we  have  as  much  substance,  only  in  a  smaller 
space.  In  abbreviations,  the  same  meaning,  but  in  fewer 
characters.  Single  words  are  abbreviated ;  whole  works  are 
abridged.  Lieut.,  Dr.,  Esq.,  are  abbreviations  for  lieutenant, 
doctor,  esquire.  Large  histories  are  abridged  for  the  use  of 
young  students.  A  work  in  three  volumes  has  been  frequently 
abridged  into  one. 

iHol. *  neigh'  abbreviated  *  ne.' 

Lovers  Lab.  Lastly.  1. 
Bru.  So  are  we  Caesar's  friends  that  have  abridged 
His  time  of  fearing  death.  Jul.  Ccbs.,  ill.  1.] 

Exercise. 

The  paper  was  so  full  of  contractions  and ,  that  it  was  with  the 

greatest  difficulty  I  could  decipher  its  contents. 

are  necessary  for  those  who  either  do  not  wish,  or  have  not  the 

power  to  study  subjects  in  detail. 

The  work  was  in  itself  so  concise,  and  every  remark  it  contained  was  so 
necessary  to  the  proper  understanding  of  the  subject,  that  it  w£is  found  im- 
possible to it. 

"  The  only  invention  of  late  years  which  has  contributed  towards  polite- 
ness in  discourse,  is  that  of ,  or  reducing  words  of  many  syllables 

into  one,  by  lopping  off  the  rest." 

If  we  trace  the  history  of  the  spoken  language  of  any  particular  country, 

we  shall  find and  harmony  to  have  been  the  two  leading  principles 

which  have  influenced  its  various  changes. 

"  It  is  one  thing  to by  contracting,  another  by  cutting  off." 

"  I  shall  lay  before  my  readers  an  of  some  few  of  their  ex- 
travagancies, in  hopes  that  they  will  in  time  accustom  themselves  to  dream 
a  little  more  to  the  purpose." 

24* 


282  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

To  advance — to  proceed. 
To  advance  regards  the  end,  to  proceed  respects  the  be- 
ginning of  our  journey.  We  cannot  advance  without  pro- 
ceeding, nor  proceed  without  advancing.  In  advancing,  we 
approach  nearer  the  end  ;  in  proceeding,  we  leave  the  begin- 
ning farther  behind  us.  The  army  advanced  three  leagues 
into  the  enemy's  country.  They  proceeded  on  their  journey. 
We  advance  further.  We  proceed  farther.  (See  farther  and 
further.)  In  fine,  to  advance  refers  to  the  point  we  are 
striving  to  attain,  whether  in  a  primary  or  secondary  sense, 
whilst  to  proceed  refers  to  the  point  we  start  from.  The  dif- 
ference then  between  "  to  advance  in  our  studies"  and  "  to 
proceed  with  our  studies"  will  be  obvious. 


^ 


iSiw.  Towards  which  advance  the  war. 

Macbeth,  v.  4. 

Wol.  how  far  I  have  proceeded, 

Or  how  far  further  shall Hen.  VIII.,  ii.  4. 

Now  Morn,  her  rosy  steps  in  the  eastern  clime 
Advancing,  sowed  the  earth  with  orient  pearl 

P.  L.,  V.  2. 
Man  lives  not  by  bread  alone,  but  each  word 
Proceeding  from  the  mouth  of  God 

P.  E.,  i.  350. 
It  was  the  season  of  unfolding  leaves. 
Of  days  advancing  toward  their  utmost  length, 
And  small  birds  singing  happily  to  mates 

Happy  as  they. *  The  Excursion,^  vi. 

So,  from  the  body  of  one  guilty  deed, 

A  thousand  guilty  fears,  and  haunting  thoughts  proceed ! 

*  Tour  on  the  Continent. '''i 

Exercise. 

In  order  to  insure  our in  any  particular  study,  we  must 

diligently  and  regularly. 

We  had  not far  before  we  found  ourselves  in  a  defile,  surrounded 

on  all  sides  by  the  enemy's  horse  ;  in  this  predicament,  the  colonel  ordered 

a  chosen  body  of  men  to and  engage  the  enemy,  while  he 

with  another  band  to  explore  a  path  by  which  he  might  extricate  his  men 
from  their  dangerous  position. 

As   socn    as    the    confusion  caused  by  this   interruption  had   in   some 

degree  subsided,  the  lecturer  with  his  remarks  upon  the  internal 

condition  of  the  Roman  empire,  and  the  state  of  its  literature  during  this 
period. 

Upon  reconnoitring  his  position,  he  found  he  had  committed  a  great 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  283 

error  in bo  far  into  the  country  without  Becurmg  a  retreat:   but 

it  was  now  too  late  to  remedy  the  evil ;  he  therefore to  take  every 

means  of  strengthening  his  position  till  reinforcements  should  come  to  his  as- 
sistance. 

"  It  is  wonderful  to  observe  by  what  a  gradual  progress  the  world  of  life 
...  through  a  prodigious  variety  of  species,  before  a  creature  is  formed 

that  is  complete  in  all  its  senses." 

"  If  the  scale  of  being  rises  by  such  a  regular  progress  so  high  as  man, 

we  may,  by   a  parity  of  reasoning,  suppose  that  it  still gradually 

through  those  beings  which  are  of  a  superior  nature  to  him." 


To  appear — to  seem. 
What  seems  is  in  the  mind ;  what  appears  is  external. 
Things  appear  as  they  present  themselves  to  the  eye  ;  they 
seem  as  they  are  represented  to  the  mind.  Things  appear 
good  or  bad,  as  far  as  we  can  judge  by  our  senses.  Things 
seem  right  or  wrong  as  we  determine  by  reflection.  Percep- 
tion and  sensation  have  to  do  with  appearing  ;  reflection  and 
comparison,  with  seeming.  When  things  are  not  what  they 
appear,  our  senses  are  deceived  ;  when  things  are  not  what 
they  seem,  our  judgment  is  at  fault. 

iEdg.  The  fishermen,  that  walk  upon  the  beach 

Appear  like  mice King  Lear,  iv.  6 

Ham.  How  weary,  stale,  flat,  and  unprofitable 
Seem  to  me  all  the  uses  of  this  world ! 

Hamlet,  i.  2. 

so  seemed 

Far  off  the  flying  fiend.    At  last  appear 

Hell-bounds P.  L.,  11  643 

And  oft  though  wisdom  wake,  suspicion  sleeps 

At  wisdom's  gate,  and  to  simplicity 

Resigns  her  charge,  while  goodness  thinks  no  ill 

Where  no  ill  seems. Id.,  iii.  689. 

to  whom,  in  vision  clear 

The  aspiring  heads  of  future  things  appear. 

Like  mountain-tops  whose  mists  have  rolled  away. 

Wordsworth.    '■Poem^  to  Liberty.* 
No  fountain  from  its  rocky  cave 
E'er  tripped  with  foot  so  free  ; 
She  seemed  as  happy  as  a  wave 
That  dances  on  the  sea.        *  The  Two  April  Mornings.*! 

Exercise. 

It that  he  not  only  detained  the  property  from  the  rightful  owner> 

but  even  appropriated  a  large  portion  of  it. 


284  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

As  far  as  I  can  judge  of  the  question,  it impossible  to  explain  it  in 

any  thing  like  a  satisfactory  manner. 

Those  who  are  not  accustomed  to  judge  of  distances  are  very  often  de- 
ceived ;  for  many  objects  which far  off,  are  in  reality  much  nearer 

to  us  than  we  suppose. 

I  have  been  informed  by  persons  who  have  made  frequent  ascents  in  a 

balloon,  that,  upon  those  occasions,  the  earth like  a  small  speck 

when  the  balloon  has  attained  its  greatest  height,  and  the  men  and  women 
upon  it  no  bigger  than  mites  in  cheese. 

In  fine  weather,  at  sea,  we  may  often  observe  a  long  dark  line  upon  the 

horizon,  which  rises  up  from  the  water,  and like  land.     This  is  said 

to  be  the  effect  of  the  heat,  and  sailors  consider  it  a  sure  sign  of  length  of 
fine  weather. 

In  my  dream,  I to  have  taken  the  shape  and  size  of  a  bat,  and  to 

be  flying  through  the  dark  air  at  a  rapid  pace. 

"  Lashed  into  foam,  the  fierce  conflicting  brine 

o'er  a  thousand  raging  waves  to  buni." 

"  My  noble  master  will 

Such  as  he  is,  full  of  regard  and  honor." 


To  articulate — to  pronounce. 
To  articulate  is  to  utter  distinctly  every  syllable  of  which  a 
word  is  composed.  To  pronounce  is  to  utter  a  word  in  that 
accent  and  tone  which  are  assigned  to  it  by  custom.  Articu- 
lation has  to  do  with  the  distinctness  of  the  syllable  ;  pro- 
nunciation, with  propriety  of  the  vocalizing.  A  child  who 
says  posshle  for  possible,  articulates  indistinctly ;  a  child  who 
says  passable  for  possible,  pronounces  improperly.  Careless 
readers  and  speakers  articulate  badly  ;  foreigners  and  country- 
men pronounce  improperly. 

iMacb.  But  wherefore  could  not  I  pronoimce,  amen  ? 
Macbeth,  ii.  2. 
Hum.  Speak  the  speech,  I  pray  you,  as  I  pronounced  it  to  you. 

Hamlet,  iii.  2. 

language  of  man  pronounced 

By  tongue  of  brute,  and  human  sense  expressed  ? 
The  first,  at  least  of  these  I  thought  denied 
To  beasts  ;  whom  God,  on  their  creation-day 
Created  mute  to  all  articulate  sound. 

P.  L.,  ix.  553. 

adjudged  to  death 

For  want  of  well  pronouncing  Shibboleth. 

S.  A.,  289. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  285 

He  heard,  borne  on  the  wind,  the  articulate  voice 

Of  God *  The  Excursion,^  iv. 

He  only  judges  right  who  weighs,  compares 
And,  in  the  sternest  sentence  which  his  voice 
Pronounces,  ne'er  abandons  Charity. 

^  Eccles.  Sonnets.^ 
-  the  beauty  of  the  sabbath  kept 


With  conscientious  reverence,  as  a  day 
By  the  almighty  Lawgiver  pronounced 
Holy  and  blest. '  The  Excursion,^  viii,] 

Exercise, 

Demosthenes  is  said  to  have  so   badly,  that  in  order  to  euro 

nimself  of  this  defect,  he  used  to  recite  speeches  with  small  pebbles  in  his 
mouth. 

Though,  in  point  of  information  and  style,  he  was  an  excellent  lecturer, 

he English  with  so  strong  a  provincial  dialect,  that  it  occasionally 

gave  n:  any  of  his  hearers  some  difficulty  to  understand  him. 

In  order  to  properly,  we  should  be  accustomed  to  hear  and  con- 
verse with  those  who  mix  in  the  best  society. 

Those  who  have  a  defect  of should  be  put  under  the  care  of  an 

elocution  master. 

The  first  requisite  for  a  good  reader  is  a  distinct .     This  may 

be  said  to  resemble  perspicuity  in  style ;  for  whatever  beauties  our  wri- 
ting may  possess,  they  are  without  value  when  unaccompanied  by  this  es- 
sential quality. 

A  bad often  arises  from  carelessness  ;  vicious is  the  natural 

consequence  of  having  bad  examples  for  imitation. 

"  Speak  the  speech,  I  pray  you,  as  I it  to  you." 


To  attribute — to  impute. 
Both  these  words  relate  to  causation.  To  attribute  is  to 
refer  to  as  a  known,  or  a  natural  cause  ;  to  impute  is  to  refer  to 
as  a  supposed,  or  an  evil  cause.  Bad  health  is  sometimes  at- 
tributed to  intemperance.  Riots  and  discontent  among  a  peo- 
ple may  be  attributed  to  a  bad  harvest,  or  may  be  imputed  to 
the  unpopularity  of  the  government.  In  attributing,  we  assign 
things  as  causes  ;  in  imputing,  we  assign  the  feelings  or  acts 
of  persons  as  causes.  To  impute  is  generally  used  in  a  bad 
sense  ;  to  attribute,  in  either  a  good  or  bad  sense. 

[Por.  —  the  merit  of  service  is  seldom  attributed  to  the  true  and  exact  performer. 

AlVs  Well,  J^o  ,  iii.  6. 
Jul.  And  not  impute  this  yielding  to  light  love 

Romeo  and  Juliet,  ii.  2. 


286  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

» 
Where  glory  is  false  glory,  attributed 
To  things  not  glorious,  men  not  worthy  fame. 

P.  R.,  iii.  69. 
Imputest  thou  that  to  my  default,  or  will 
Of  wandering P.  L.,  ix.  1145.] 

Exercise. 

"  Perhaps  it  may  appear  upon  examination  that  the  most  polite  ages  are 

the  least  virtuous.     This  may  be to  the  folly  of  admitting  wit  and 

learning  as  merits  in  themselves,  without  considering  the  appUcation  of 
them." 

*'  This  obscurity  cannot  be to  want  of  language  in  so  great  a  mas- 
ter of  style." 

"  The   imperfection  of  telescopes  is  to  spherical  glasses ;    and 

mathematicians  have  propounded  to  figure  them  by  the  conical  sections." 

"  I  have  formerly  said  that  I  could  distinguish  your  writings  from  those  of 

any  others ;  'tis  now  time  to  clear  myself  from  any of  self-conceit 

on  that  subject." 

"  We,  who  are  adepts  in  astrology,  can it  to  several  causes  in  the 

planets,  that  this  quarter  of  our  great  city  is  the  region  of  such  as  either 
never  had,  or  have  lost,  the  use  of  reason." 

Whenever  a  great  undertaking  fails,  the  blame  is  always to  those 

who  advised  it. 


To  avenge — to  revenge. 
We  avenge  others  ;  we  revenge  ourselves.  When  we  re- 
venge, we  return  evil  for  evil  (real  or  supposed)  done  to  our- 
selves. When  we  avenge,  we  punish  an  injury  done  to  an- 
other. In  both  cases,  vengeance  is  exercised ;  in  the  former 
for  ourselves,  in  the  latter  for  another.  To  avenge  is  an  act 
of  retributive  justice  ;  to  revenge  is  an  act  of  passion. 

iClar.  O  God,  if  my  deep  prayers  cannot  appease  thee. 
But  thou  wilt  be  avenged  on  my  misdeeds, 
Yet  execute  thy  wrath  on  me  alone.    Rich.  III.,  i.  3. 

Ant.  For  when  I  am  revenged  upon  my  charm 

J  have  done  all Ant.  and  Chop.,  iv.  10. 

Avenge,  O  Lord,  thy  slaughtered  saints,  whose  bones 
Lie  scattered  on  the  Alpine  mountains  cold. 

Milton     '  Sonnets.* 

but  his  face 

Deep  scars  of  thunder  had  intrenched,  and  care 
Sat  on  his  faded  cheek ;  but  under  brows 
Of  dauntless  courage  and  considerate  pride 
Waiting  revenge  ; P.  L.,i.  604. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  287 

He,  who  by  wilful  disesteem  of  life 
And  proud  insensibility  to  hope 
Affronts  the  eye  of  Solitude,  shall  learn 
That  her  mild  nature  can  be  terrible : 
That  neither  she  nor  silence  lack  the  power 
To  avenge  their  own  insulted  majesty. 

'  7%c  Excursion,^  iT, 
And,  guilt  escaping,  passion  then  might  plead 
In  angry  spirits  for  her  old  free  range 
And  the  '  wild  justice  of  revenge'  prevail. 

'  Sonnets  on  Punishment  of  DeathJ''} 

Exercise. 

"The  day  shall  come,  the  great ing  day, 

When  Troy's  proud  glories  in  the  dust  shall  lay"* 
"  *  Your  health,  my  Glaucus,'  said  he,  quaffing  a  cup  to  each  letter  of  the 
Greek's  name  with  the  ease  of  the  practised  drinker;   *will  you  not  be 
— —  on  your  ill-fortune  of  yesterday  ?     See,  the  dice  court  us.'  '* 
"  Come,  Antony,  and  young  Octavius,  come, 

yourselves  alone  on  Cassius." 

"  It  is  a  quarrel  most  unnatural. 

To  be on  him  that  loveth  thee." 

"  With  heart  of  fire,  and  foot  of  wind, 

The  fierce er  is  behind." 

"  By  a  continued  series  of  loose,  though  apparently  trivial  gratifications, 
the  heart  is  often  as  thoroughly  corrupted  as  by  the  commission  of  any  one  of 

,  those  enormous  crimes  which  spring  from  great  ambition,  or  great ." 

j      "  May  we,  with  the  witness  of  a  good  conscience,  pursue  him  with  fur- 

jther ?" 

With  tears  in  her  eyes,  she  related  the  insult  she  had  just  received,  and 

I  entreated  me  to her. 

I     "  The  just  er  of  his  injured  ancestors,  the  victorious  Louis,  was 

'  larting  his  thunder." 


To  compare  to — to  compare  with. 
One  thing  is  compared  to  another  when  a  resemblance  is 
feund  between  them  :  Anger  is  compared  to  a  tempest.  One 
thing  is  compared  with  another  when  our  object  in  bringing 
them  together  is  to  discover  the  relative  worth  of  each.  Art 
when  compared  with  nature  is  found  wanting.  Great  things 
may  be  compared  with  small. 

IK.  Rich.  I  have  been  stud>'ing  how  I  may  compare 
This  prison,  where  I  live,  unto  the  world. 

Rich.  II.,  V.  5. 

♦  It  is  needless  to  remark,  that  Pope  is  here  guilty  of  a  gross  grammatical  error. 


h 


288  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Ham.  I  dare  not  confess  that,  lest  I  should  compare  with  him  in  excellence  - 

Hamlety  v.  2. 
So,  if  great  things  to  small  may  be  compared 
Xerxes,  the  liberty  of  Greece  to  yoke 
From  Susa,  his  Memnonian  palace  high 
Came  to  the  sea P.  Z,.,  x.  30fl. 

Alas,  how  simple,  to  those  cates  compared, 
Was  that  crude  apple  that  diverted  Eve  ! 

P.  R.,  ii.  348. 

As  when  Earth's  son,  Antaeus,  (to  compare 
Small  things  with  greatest,)  in  Irassa  strove 
With  Jove's  Alcides Id.,  iv.  564. 


this  earth,  a  spot,  a  grain. 

An  atom,  with  the  firmament  compared 

And  all  her  numbered  stars P.  L.,  viii.  18. 

And  Fancy,  not  less  aptly  pleased,  compares 
Your  squadrons  to  an  endless  flight  of  birds 

Wordsworth.    *  To  the  Clouds. 


-  compared 


With  him  who  grovels,  self-debarred 

From  all  that  lies  within  the  scope 

Of  holy  faith  and  christian  hope.  *  Rydal  ChapeVl 


Exercise. 

In  point  of  learning,  he  is  not  to  be  compared his  rival  candidate, 

though  he  is  far  superior  to  him  in  natural  abilities 

Human  life  has  been  compared a  lamp,  which,  for  want  of  fresh 

oil  to  feed  its  flame,  burns  but  for  a  little  while,  becomes  gradually  fainter, 
and  is  at  length  extinguished. 

We  have  but  to  compare  the  paintings  of  these  two  masters each 

other,  to  perceive  how  far  superior,  in  every  respect,  the  original  is  to  the 
copy. 

My  brother  and  I  had  both  travelled,  at  different  times,  over  the  same 

country ;  and  I  found,  on  comparing  my  notes his,  that  our  opinions 

on  the  scenery,  manners,  and  habits  of  the  people,  agreed  in  almost  every 
particular. 

Burke,  in  one  of  his  writings,  speaking  of  the  necessity  of  large  open 
spaces  for  the  recreation  and  exercise  of  the  poor,  compares  the  parks  of  the 
metropolis the  lungs  of  the  Imman  body. 

What  a  difference  do  we  find  when  we  compare  the  gaiety  and  light- 

heartedness  of  boyhood the  cares  and  anxiety  of  more  advanced 

life !  how  imperceptibly  does  the  step  lose  its  Hght,  firm,  and  elastic  tread, 
and  the  voice  its  full  and  commanding  tone  ! 

"  Solon  compared  the  people the  sea,  and  orators  and  counsellors 

the  winds ;  for  that  the  sea  would  be  calm  and  quiet  if  the  winds 

did  not  trouble  it." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  369 


To  compare — to  contrast. 
Things  which  bear  some  resemblance  to  each  other  may  be 
compared.  Things  which  are  strikingly  unlike  each  other  are 
contrasted.  When  we  compare,  it  is  with  a  view  to  shew  a 
likeness ;  when  we  contrast,  it  is  in  order  to  dissimilitude. 
The  dreadful  ravages  of  war  cannot  be  compared  to,  but  may 
be  contrasted  with,  the  quiet  blessings  of  peace.  A  man  may 
be  compared  to  a  tree,  because  we  can  discover  many  points 
in  which  they  resemble  each  other.  White  is  contrasted  with 
black. 

[Not  from  his  fellows  only  man  may  learn 
Rights  to  compare  and  duties  to  discern. 

Wordsworth.    *  Humanity.'' 
But  stoop,  and  place  the  prospect  of  the  soul 
In  sober  contrast  with  reality 
And  man's  substantial  life. *  The  Excursion^^  v.] 

Exercise. 

When  we the  squalid  poverty  of  the  artisan  or  labourer  with  the 

comforts  and  refinement  of  the  middle  and  higher  classes,  how  striking  is 
the  difference ! 

These  two  men  differed  so  widely  in  character  and  habits,  that  it  would 

be  absurd  to  attempt  to  institute  a between  tliem. 

On  entering  this  abode  of  desolation,  what  a presented  itself!     I 

had  just  left  a  company  of  light-hearted,  joyous  companions,  full  of  mirth 
and  jollity: — here  I  found  the  silence  of  sadness,  interrupted  only  by  the 
sobs  of  despair,  or  the  fitful  shrieks  of  painful  disease. 

On the  two  books,  I  found  that  both  writers  had  treated  the  sub- 
ject in  nearly  a  similar  manner,  and  that  they  differed  only  in  detail. 

He  who  is  in  the  habit  of his  own  condition  with  that  of  others, 

will  be  obliged  to  confess  that,  whatever  disappointments  or  reverses 
it  has 'been  his  lot  to  suffer,  he  has  many  reasons  to  consider  himfjell 
fortunate. 

"  I  will  hear  Brutus  speak  : — 

I  will  hear  Cassius,  and their  reasons." 

"  In  lovely to  this  glorious  view, 

Calmly  magnificent,  then  we  will  turn 
To  where  the  silver  Thames  first  rural  grows." 
25 


290  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

To  conciliate — to  reconcile. 

To  conciliate  is  to  gain  the  good-will  of  others  for  ourselves ; 
to  reconcile  is  to  bring  together  those  who  have  been  at 
variance.  One  man  conciliates  the  esteem  of  another.  A 
common  friend  reconciles  two  persons  who  have  quarrelled. 
In  conciliating,  we  attract  others  to  ourselves  ;  in  reconciling, 
we  bring  two  others  together.  Our  manners  conciliate  ;  our 
influence  reconciles. 

When  we  reconcile  ourselves  to  things  or  persons,  we 
make  the  first  advances  to  them.  When  we  conciliate 
others,  we  behave  in  such  a  way  that  they  make  the  first  ad- 
vances to  us. 

iMacd.  Such  welcome  and  unwelcome  things  at  once 

'Xis  hard  to  reconcile. Macbeth,  iv.  3. 

yet  winds  to  seas 

Are  reconciled  at  length,  and  sea  to  shore. 

S.  A.,  962. 
Am  pleased  by  fits  to  have  thee  for  my  foe 
yet  ever  wilUng  to  be  reconciled. 

Wordsworth.    '■Miscel.  Sonnets J\ 

Exercise. 

The  kindness  and  clemency  of  Julius  Caesar  soon the  minds  even 

of  those  who  had  been  his  most  implacable  enemies 

The  two  parties  entertained  such  a  violent  hatred  towards  e?ach  other, 

that   it   required  all   the  experience  £ind  tact  of  the  minister  to  

them. 

It  was  no  easy  matter  to such  fierce  and  savage  tribes,  and  in- 
duce them  to  submit  to  the  absolute  dominion  of  foreign  power. 

I  shall  never  be  able  to myself  to  a  life  so  full  of  difficulties  and 

dangers. 

By  the  mediation  of  a  third  party,  the  quarrel  was  at  length  made  up,  and 
both  parties  declared  that  they  were  wholly to  each  other. 

The  most  difficult  task  for  a  minister  is  to all  the  parties  which 

exist  in  the  state  to  his  own  interests,  and  to confficting  factions  to 

each  other. 

"  The  preacher  may  enforce  his  doctrines  in  the  style  of  authority,  for  it 
is  his  profession  to  summon  mankind  to  their  duty  ;  but  an  uncommissioned 
instructor  will  study  to ,  whilst  he  attempts  to  correct." 

"  It  must  be  confessed  a  happy  attachment,  which  can the  Lap- 

\pXL<^&f  %o  his  freezing  snows,  and  the  African  to  his  scorchiiig  sun." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  291 

To  confess — to  acknowledge. 
To  acknowledge  is  to  make  known  by  any  means  of  com- 
munication ;  to  confess  is  to  make  known  by  speaking.  An 
1  acknowledgment  is  public ;  a  confession  is  private.  The 
former  is  said  of  a  fault,  or  a  mistake,  and  is  used  in  reference 
to  venial  errors ;  the  latter  applies  particularly  to  graver 
charges.  We  acknowledge  an  omission  of  duty  ;  we  confess 
i  a  commission  of  sin.  A  debt  is  acknowledged  ;  a  crime  is 
confessed. 

[Oth. as  truly  as  to  heaven 

I  do  confess  the  vices  of  my  blood.       Othello,  i.  3. 
K.  Hen.  Through  all  the  kingdoms  that  acknowledge  Christ 
1  Henry  IV.,  iii.  2. 
Father,  I  do  acknowledge  and  confess 
That  I  this  honour,  I  this  pomp  have  brought 

To  Dagon S.  A.,  448 

till  peace  obtained  from  fault 

Acknowledged  and  deplored P.  L.,  x.  939. 

and  there  confess 

Humbly  our  faults  and  pardon  beg 

Id.,  1088. 
Then  mark  him,  him  who  could  so  long  rebel 
The  crime  confessed,  a  kneeling  Penitent 
Before  the  Altar,  where  the  Sacrament 
Softens  his  heart,  till  from  his  eyes  puWell 
Tears  of  salvation. 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  on  Punishment  of 

Doth  the  will 

Acknowledge  reason's  law  1 '  The  Excursion,*  v.] 

Exercise, 

It  is  not  sufficient  that  we  our  faults  ;    we  ought  also  to  en 

deavour  to  compensate  for  the  injury  which  our  errors  may  have  caused  to 
others. 

The  police  officer that  he  had  done  wrong,  in  allowing  the  man 

to  quit  his  presence  even  for  a  moment ;  but  he  strongly  denied  that  the 
prisoner's  escape  had  been  effected  by  his  connivance. 

It  was  not  till  after  he  was  tried  and  convicted  on  the  clearest  evidence 

that  the  prisoner his  guilt,  and  made  a  long  statement  of  all  the 

circumstances  connected  with  the  robbery. 

Fourteen  of  the  conspirators  were  condemned  and  executed  ;  seven  of 
whom  died their  crime. 

Dangerfield,  being  committed  to  Newgate,  the  forgery,  which, 

though  probably  of  his  own  contrivance,  he  ascribed  to  the  Earl  of  Castle- 
main,  the  Countess  of  Powis,  and  the  five  lords  in  the  Tower. 

They  died  penitent, the  justness  of  the  sentence  by  whicjh  they 

were  executed. 


292  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


To  confute — to  refute. 
When  one  argument  is  neutralized  by  another,  it  is  con- 
futed ;  when  an  assertion  is  proved  to  be  false,  it  is  refuted. 
A  confuted  proposition  is  reduced  to  an  absurdity.  When  a 
charge  is  refuted,  the  refutation  remains  triumphant,  but  does 
not  alter  the  character  of  the  charge.  In  confuting,  we  prove 
the  absurdity — in  refuting,  we  prove  the  falsehood  of  an  as- 
sertion. Opinions,  arguments,  paradoxes,  &;c.  are  confuted  ; 
slander,  insinuations,  accusations,  &c.  are  refuted. 

ilsah. after  much  debatement 

My  sisterly  remorse  confutes  mine  honour. 

Meas.for  Meets. ^  v  1. 

Satan  stood 

Awhile,  as  mute,  confounded  what  to  say, 
What  to  reply,  confuted,  and  convinced 
Of  his  weak  arguing  and  fallacious  drift : 

P.  R.,  lii.  3 

How  wilt  thou  reason  with  them,  how  refute 
Their  idolisms,  traditions,  paradoxes  ? 

Id,,  iv.  233.] 

Exercise. 

"  'Tis  such  absurd,  miserable  stuff,  that  we  will  not  honor  it  with  especial 

^ation." 

"  The  learned  do,  by  turns,  the  learn'd , 

Yet  all  depart  unaltered  by  dispute." 


"  Philip  of   Macedon by  the  force  of    gold  all  the  wisdom  of 

Athens." 

"  He  could  on  either  side  dispute, 

,  change  hands,  and  still ." 

**  He  knew  that  there  were  so  many  witnesses  in  these  two  miracles,  that 

it  was  impossible  to such  multitudes." 

"  The  arguments  employed  on  the  opposite  side,  in  favor  of  this  view  of 
the  question,  were  so  weak  and  inconclusive,  that  we  had  no  difficulty  in 

them." 

He  made  some  slight  effort  to the  charge  brought  against  him,  but 

without  success ;  and  his  reputation  thus  received  a  blow  from  which  it 
never  afterwards  wholly  recovered. 

"  Self-destruction  sought, es 

That  excellence  thought  in  thee." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  293 

To  conjecture — to  guess. 
We  guess  about  the  fact ;  we  conjecture  on  the  possibility 
of  the  fact.  A  conjecture  is  more  vague  than  a  guess.  We 
may  have  a  reason  for  guessing,  but  conjecture  is  pure 
hazard.  We  guess  a  person's  age  from  his  appearance. 
When  we  are  utterly  at  a  loss  to  comprehend  a  sentence,  all 
we  can  do  is  to  conjecture  its  meaning.  A  guess  is  an  ap- 
proach to  the  truth.  A  conjecture  may,  or  may  not,  be  near 
the  truth.  In  guessing,  we  arrive  at  a  probable  conclusion 
from  imperfect  premises  ;  in  conjecturing,  we  arrive  at  a  pos- 
sible conclusion  from  uncertain  premises. 

iGent.  'Tis  likely 
By  all  conjectures. Henry  VIILj  ii.  1. 

Cleo.  Guess  at  her  years,  I  pr'ythee. 

Ant.  and  Cleop.f  iii.  3. 

for  this  day  will  pour  down 

If  I  conjecture  aught,  no  drizzling  shower 
But  rattling  storm  of  arrows  barbed  with  fire. 

P.  i.,  vi.  645. 
Already  by  thy  reasoning  this  I  guess, 

"Who  art  to  lead  thy  offspring Id.f  viii.  85. 

Who  comes  not  hither  ne'er  shall  know 
How  beautiful  the  world  below  ; 
Nor  can  he  guess  how  lightly  leaps 
The  brook  adown  the  rocky  steeps. 

Wordsworth.    *  7%c  Pass  of  Kirkstone.*2 

Exercise, 

The  settled  gloom  of  his  countenance,  his  restless  eye,  and  anxious  ex- 
pression, made  it  easy  to the  unhappy  state  of  his  mind. 

Not  having  seen  his  friend  for  a  long  time,  he that  illness  was  the 

cause  of  his  absence. 

The  blind  man,  after  carefully  passing  his  hand  over  the  stranger's  coun- 
tenance,   immediately  that  it  was  the  same  person  who  had  taken 

shelter  in  his  cottage  a  few  weeks  before. 

Some  children riddles  much  more  readily  than  others. 

Having  no  suspicion  of  poison,  the  physician  was  at  a  loss  to the 

cause  of  such  violent  symptoms. 

The  landlady, ing  by  my  exterior  that  I  was  not  likely  to  be  a 

profitable  customer,  replied  that  she  had  no  accommodation  for  gentlemen 
of  my  appearance. 

The  mariners by  the  clouded  state  of  the  horizon,  and  the  sud- 
den gusts  of  wind,  that  a  storm  was  rapidly  approaching. 

"  Persons  of  studious  and  contemplative  natures  often  entertain  them- 

25* 


294  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

selves  with  the  history  of  past  ages,  or  raise  schemes  and  — —  upon 
futurity." 

"  And  these  discoveries  make  us  all  confess 
That  sublunary  science  is  but ." 


To  contemplate — to  meditate. 
We  contemplate  sensible  objects  ;  we  meditate  on  actions  or 
abstract  qualities.  The  starry  heavens  and  the  rising  sun  are 
fit  objects  for  contemplation.  Ingratitude,  friendship,  benevo- 
lence, &c.,  are  proper  subjects  for  meditation. 
-  When  these  words  are  used  in  the  sense  of  to  intend,  there 
is  this  difference  between  them,  that  contemplate  is  more  im- 
mediately followed  by  the  intended  action  than  meditate.  In 
this  sense,  what  we  contemplate,  we  look  upon  as  likely; 
what  we  meditate,  we  consider  as  probable,  but  more  remote. 
We  contemplate  a  journey  into  the  country ;  we  meditate  an 
excursion  abroad. 

{K.  Hen.  So  many  hours  must  1  contemplate 

3  Henry  VL,  ii.  5. 
Jaq.  —  indeed  the  sundry  contemplation  of  my  travels,  in  which  my  often  rumi- 
nation wraps  me,  is  a  most  humourous  sadness.        As  You  Like  It^  iv.  1. 

Kath.        whilst  I  sit  meditating 

On  that  celestial  harmony  I  go  to.        Henry  VIIL^  iv.  2. 

Grif.  full  of  repentance 

Continual  meditations,  tears  and  sorrows, 

He  gave  his  honours  to  the  world  again, 

His  blessed  part  to  heaven,  and  slept  in  peace. 

Henry  VIIL,  iv.  2 

I  have  not  lost 

To  love,  at  least  contemplate  and  admire 
What  I  see  excellent  in  good,  or  fair, 

Or  virtuous P.  R.,  i.  380. 

Wrapped  in  a  pleasing  fit  of  melancholy 

To  meditate  my  rural  minstrelsy         Comus,  i.  547 

with  the  thing 

Contemplated,  describe  the  Mind  and  Man 
Contemplating ;  and  who  and  what  he  was, — 
The  transitory  Being  that  beheld 

This  Vision '  The  Excursion,^  (Preface.) 

The  food  of  hope 

Is  meditated  action ;  robbed  of  this 

Her  sole  support,  she  languishes  and  dies. 

Id.,  ix.] 

Exercise. 

The of  nature  fills  the  mind  with  the  sublimest  thoughts. 

During  the  long  period  of  his  confinement,  he  had  full  leisure  to 


J 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  295 

on  his  past  follies ;  and  he  left  the  prison  with  a  strong  determination  to  re- 
form his  life,  and  become  a  respectable  and  useful  member  of  society. 

He  was  aroused  from  his by  the  loud  report  of  a  gun,  and  turning 

his  head  to  the  right,  he  perceived  two  men,  in  the  dress  of  hunters,  ap- 
proaching the  spot  where  he  stood. 

As  they  had  not any  danger,  they  were  unprovided  with  weapons 

of  defence. 

In the  nature  of  the  Divine  Being,  the  soul  is  lost  in  her  own  in- 
significance, and  is  utterly  confounded  by  the  immensity  and  infinity  of  the 
object. 

I  have  been  for  some  months a  journey  to  Italy,  but  I  am  now  so 

overwhelmed  with  business,  that  I  see  no  likelihood  of  its  taking  place  this  year. 

The  poet  stood  on  a  lofty  eminence,  formed  by  the  peak  of  a  craggy  rock, 
and the  scene  below  him  with  unmixed  delight. 

"  I  sincerely  wish  myself  with  you  to the  wonders  of  God  in  the 

firmament,  rather  than  the  madness  of  man  on  the  earth." 

"  But  a  very  small  part  of  the  moments  spent  in on  the  past  pro- 
duce any  reasonable  caution  or  salutary  sorrow." 


To  coj^y — to  imitate. 
To  copy  has  to  do  with  the  outvv*ard  appearance  ;  to  imitate^ 
with  internal  signification.  We  copy  words;  we  imitate 
meaning.  The  result  of  a  copy  is  a  likeness  to  the  eye  ;  the 
result  of  an  imitation  is  likeness  to  the  mind.  In  copying,  we 
multiply  the  original  ;  in  imitating,  we  present  a  variety  of  the 
original.  In  copying  a  sentence,  we  transcribe  the  words 
which  it  contains ;  in  imitating  a  sentence,  we  construct  one 
in  a  similar  manner  to  the  one  placed  before  us.  The  hand 
copies ;  the  mind  imitates.  A  painting  may  be  copied ;  the 
style  of  a  painter  may  be  imitated. 

iHam.  from  the  table  of  my  memory 

I'll  wipe  away  all  trivial  fond  records, 

All  saws  of  books,  all  forms,  all  pressures  past 

riiat  youth  and  observation  copied  there. 

Hamlet,  i.  5 
P.  Hen.  Yet  herein  will  I  imitate  the  sun 

1  Henry  IV.,  i.  2 
We,  that  are  of  purer  fire, 
Imitate  the  starry  quire, 
Who  in  their  nightly  watchful  spheres 
Lead  in  swift  round  the  months  and  years. 
Comusy  112 
Stoop  from  your  height,  ye  proud,  and  copy  theso  ! 
Who  in  their  noiseless  dwelling-place,  can  hear 


296  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The  voice  of  wisdom  whispering  scripture  texts 
F&r  the  mind's  government,  or  temper's  peace. 

*  The  Excursion/  ▼, 
Where  the  bare  columns  of  those  lofty  firs, 
Supporting  gracefully  a  massy  dome 
Of  sombre  foliage,  seem  to  imitate 
A  Grecian  temple  rising  from  the  Deep 

Id.,  IX. J 

Exercise, 

"  Poetry  and  music  have  the  power  of mg  the  manneis  of  men." 

"  Since  a  true  knowledge  of  nature  gives  us  pleasure,  a  lively of 

st,  either  in  poetry  or  painting,  must  produce  a  much  greater ;  for  both  these 

arts  are  not  only  true of  nature,  but  of  the  best  nature." 

*  "  The  Romans  having  sent  to  Athens  and  the  Greek  cities  of  Italy  for 
the of  the  best  laws,  chose  ten  legislators  to  put  them  into  form." 

*'  I  have  not  the  vanity  to  think  my equal  to  the  original." 

"  We  should  remember  that  although  it  be  allowable  to  form  our  general 

style  upon  that  of  some  eminent  writer,  yet  that  a  close  and  servile 

€>f  the  style  of  any  author  will  lead  us  to  adopt  its  faults  as  well  as  its 
beauties." 

The  two  paintings  so  closely  resembled  each  other,  that  it  was  extremely 
difficult  to  determine  which  was  the and  which  the  original. 

the  six  first  stanzas  of  this  poem. 

"  Some  imagine  that  whatsoever  they  find  in  the  picture  of  a  master  who 
has  acquired  reputation,  must,  of  necessity,  be  excellent ;  and  never  fail, 
when  they ,  to  follow  the  bad  as  well  as  the  good  things." 


To  decrease — to  diminish. 
To  decrease  is  to  grow  less ;  to  diminish  is  to  make  or  be- 
come less.  To  decrease  is  relative  and  gradual ;  to  diminish 
is  positive.  To  decrease  is  an  internal,  and  to  diminish  an 
external  action.  In  addition  to  which  distinction  it  may  be 
proper  to  remark,  that  to  decrease  is  more  frequently  applied 
to  quantity  or  size,  and  to  diminish,  to  number.  Things  de- 
crease when  they  grow  less  from  within,  or  when  the  cause 
of  their  growing  less  is  imperceptible.  They  are  diminished 
when  something  is  taken  from  them  from  without,  or  when  the 
cause  of  their  becoming  less  is  more  evident.  Water  exposed 
to  the  sun  decreases  in  quantity.  A  snowball  during  a  thaw 
will  decrease  in  size.  An  army  is  diminished  in  numbers  by 
disease  or  famine.  Many  substances  decrease  in  size  by 
shrinking,  such  as  flannel,  cloth,  &c. 


i 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  297 

iCh.  Just.  Have  you  not  a  moist  eye?  a  dry  hand?  a  yellow  cheek?  a  wb-"« 
beard  ?  a  decreasing  leg?  2  Henry  IV.,  1.  2. 

Edg.  yon  tall  anchoring  bark 

Diminished  to  her  cock  ;  her  cock,  a  buoy 

Almost  too  small  for  sight. King  Lear,  iv.  6. 

at  whose  sight  all  the  stars 

Hide  their  diminished  heads P.  L.,  iv.  35.] 

Exercise, 

As  we  approach  winter,  the  days  gradually in  length. 

That  which  we  call  good  is  apt  to  cause  or  increase  pleasure,  or 

pain  in  us. 

Upon  instituting  an  examination  of  his  >aiFairs,  it  was  discovered  that, 

irom  a  long  course  of  reckless  extravagance,  his  income  was by  at 

least  one-half. 

By  some  untoward  accident,  the  gas  was  allowed  to  escape  much  more 

quickly  than  was  intended  ;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  balloon in 

size  so  rapidly,  that  the  aeronauts  were  in  imminent  danger  of  being  pre- 
cipitated to  the  earth. 

"  When  the  sun  comes  to  his  tropics,  days  increase  and but  a 

very  little  for  a  great  while  together." 

"  Crete's  ample  fields to  our  eye. 

Before  the  Boreal  blasts  the  vessels  fly." 


To  dissert — to  discuss. 
In  a  dissertation,  we  expatiate  upon  a  subject,  and  engraft 
upon  it  our  own  ideas  in  order  to  explain  it  more  fully,  A 
dissertation  is  then  an  amplified  discourse.  In  discussing,  we 
examine  the  real  meaning  of  what  is  before  us,  by  shaking 
out,  as  it  were,  its  points  singly  and  separately.  The  object 
both  of  a  dissertation  and  a  discussion  is  to  arrive  at  a  more 
perfect  knowledge  of  a  subject.  In  disserting,  we  add  our 
own  ideas  by  way  of  illustration  ;  in  discussing,  we  examine, 
to  come  at  the  real  meaning. 

Exercise. 

"  A  country  fellow  distinguishes  himself  as  much  in  the  church-yard  at 
a  citizen  does  upon  'Change ;  the  whole  parish  politics  being  generally 
in  that  place  either  after  the  sermon  or  before  the  bell  rings." 

"  Plutarch  in  his ion  on  the  poets,  quotes  an  instance  of  Homer's 

judgment  in  closing  a  ludicrous  scene  with  decency  and  instruction." 


298  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  This  knotty  point  should  you  and  I , 

Or  tell  a  tale  ?" 

"  Could  I,  however,  repeat  to  you  the  words  of  a  venerable  sage,  (for  I 

can  call  him  no  other,)  whom  I  once  heard ing  on  the  topic  of 

religion,  and  whom  still  I  hear,  whenever  I  think  on  him  ;  you  might  accept 
perhaps  my  religious  theories  as  candidly  as  you  have  my  moral." 

"  We  are  here  to only  those  general  exceptions  which  have  been 

taken." 

ions  are  frequently  written  on  disputed  points  in  literature,  such  as 

Bentley's  on  the  Epistles  of  Phalaris,  De  Pauw's on  the 

Egyptians  and  Chinese,  &C.,  &c. 


To  equivocate — to  prevaricate. 
To  prevaricate  is  to  evade  a  question  so  as  to  escape  de- 
tection ;  to  equivocate  is  to  answer  a  question  in  such  a  way 
that  two  senses  are  involved.  The  object  of  the  prevaricator 
is  to  escape  detection  ;  that  of  the  equivocator  is  to  deceive 
his  questioner.  The  prevaricator  shuffles ;  the  equivocator 
deceives.  An  equivocator  conceals  the  real  meaning  under 
the  one  put  forth  ;  a  prevaricator  gives  us  no  information  on 
the  subject  of  our  question. 

iPort.  — who  committed  treason  enough  for  God's  sake,  yet  could  not  equivocate 
to  heaven.  Macbeth,  ii.  3.] 

Exercise. 

The  evidence  of  this  witness  was  so  full  of ,  that  the  judge  ordered 

that  he  should  be  immediately  taken  into  custody,  and  there  held  during  the 
pleasure  of  the  court. 

A  sentence   is  when   it   is   equally   intelligible  in  two  distinct 

senses  ;  as,  for  example,  in  the  following  French  expression :  "  Je  voudrais 

bien  I'avoir."    This,  when  pronounced,  would  leave  the  meaning ,  for 

it  might  signify  equally :  "  I  should  like  to  have  it,"  and  "  I  should  like  to 
see  her." 

"  Several  Romans,  taken  prisoners  by  Hannibal,  were  released  upon 
obliging  themselves  by  an  oath  to  return  again  to  his  camp :  among  these 
was  one  who,  thinking  to  elude  the  oath,  went  the  same  day  back  to  the 

camp,  on  pretence  of  having  forgotten  something  ;  but  this was  so 

shocking  to  the  Roman  senate,  that  they  ordered  him  to  be  delivered  up  to 
Hannibal." 

Irish  witnesses  are  remarkable  both  for  their and ;  they 

either  endeavour  to  avoid  the  question  altogether,  or  else  they  answer  it  in 
such  a  way  as  to  give  no  satisfactory  information. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  299 

**  There  is  no ing  with  God  when  we  are  on  the  very  threshold  of 

his  presence." 

"  A  secret  liar  or or  is  such  a  one  as  by  mental  reservations  and 

other  tricks  deceives  him  to  whom  he  speaks,  being  lawfully  called  to  deliver 
all  the  truth." 


To  foretel — to  predicL 

We  foretel  by  calculation,  and  with  some  degree  of  cer- 
tainty ;  we  predict  from  pure  conjecture.  Strictly,  no  one  can 
predict,  though  wisdom  and  experience  will  frequently  enable 
men  to  foretel  what  will  happen.  Astronomers  foretel 
eclipses  ;  astrologers  predict  good  or  bad  fortune. 

The  noun  prediction  expresses  what  is  foretold,  as  well  as 
what  is  predicted,  but  we  should  not  for  that  reason  place  the 
same  faith  in  the  predictions  of  a  gipsy  or  an  almanac-maker, 
as  in  those  of  a  philosopher  or  an  astronomer. 

[Gaunt.  Methinks,  I  am  a  prophet  new  inspired 
And  thus  expiring,  do  foretell  of  him. 

Rich.  IL,  ii.  1 

C<Bs,  for  these  predictions 

Are  to  the  world  in  general,  as  to  Caesar. 

Jul.  Cas.f  VL  2. 

whose  high  ofl5ce  now 

Moses  in  figure  bears,  to  introduce 

One  greater,  of  whose  day  he  shall  foretell 

P.  i.,  xiL  249. 

prediction  still 

In  all  things,  and  all  men,  supposes  means : 
Without  means  used,  what  it  predicts  revokes. 

P.  R.,  iii.  356. 
And,  with  this  change,  sharp  air  and  falling  leaves 
Foretelling  aged  Winter's  desolate  sway. 

'  The  Excursion,*  V.J 

Exercise. 

It  has  been ,  that  when  London  shall  join  Ilampstead,  extraordi- 
nary changes  will  take  place  in  England ;  what  these  changes  are,  the 
prophet  did  not  mention,  but  there  seems  every  likelihood  that  the  truth  of 
his will  be  soon  put  to  the  test. 

Astronomers  can  calculate  eclipses  with  such  precision,  that  they  — — 
the  very  moment  in  which  they  will  take  place. 

Mr.  Murphy,  whose  weather-almanac  gained  him  so  high  a  reputation 

some  years  peist,  goes  on every  year,  but  no  one  any  longer  places 

faith  in  his . 


300  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The  Roman  augurs,  whose  office  it  was  to —  the  good  fortune  or  if} 

success  of  an  undertaking,  were  themselves  so  ahve  to  the  absurdity  of 
their  assumption,  that,  according  to  Cicero,  they  could  not  look  each  other 
in  the  face  without  bursting  into  laughter. 

Though  their  father  perceived  and all  the  difficulties  and  dangers 

they  would  have  to  undergo,  the  sons  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  his  representa- 
tions, and,  being  obstinately  bent  upon  the  undertaking,  lost  no  time  in  pre- 
paring for  its  execution. 

"  Above  the"  rest,  the  sun,  who  never  lies, 
the  change  of  weather  in  the  skiesv" 


To  go  back — to  return. 

Those  who  are  m  a  place  we  have  left,  speak  of  us  as  hav- 
ing gone  back;  those  who  are  in  a  place  at  which  we  are 
arrived,  speak  of  us  as  having  returned.  We  go  back  from, 
we  return  to.  In  the  former,  the  idea  of  the  place  we  have 
just  left  is  prominent ;  in  the  latter,  the  idea  of  the  place  we 
are  arrived  at  predominates.  A  man  sets  out  from  London  to 
Liverpool ;  on  his  arrival  at  Birmingham,  he  finds  himself 
obliged  to  go  back  from  Birmingham,  and  return  to  London. 

Though  the  preposition  to  is  not  always  expressed  after  the 
verb  return,  it  is  always  understood.  In  such  phrases  as 
"  The  boy  returned  from  school,"  there  is  always  understood, 
to  his  father's  house,  or  some  such  equivalent.  The  same  re- 
mark (of  the  preposition  from)  may  be  made  of  the  verb  "  go 
back." 

[King.  For  your  intent 

In  going  back  to  school  in  Wittenberg 

It  is  most  retrograde  to  our  desire.       Hamlet,  i.  2. 

Ham.  The  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourn 
No  traveller  returns Id.,  iii.  1. 

Return  Alpheus  ;  the  dread  voice  is  past 
That  shrunk  thy  streams  ;  return  Sicilian  Muse 

*  Lycidas:  132 
Go  back  to  antique  ages,  if  thine  eyes 
The  genuine  mien  and  character  would  trace 
Of  the  rash  Spirit  that  still  holds  her  place 
Prompting  tl::e  world's  audacious  vanities ! 

Wordsworth.    *  Sonnets  to  Liberty. 

even  if  the  joys 

Of  sense  were  able  to  return  as  fast 

And  surely  as  they  vanish.  — -  *  Laodcmna.*} 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  301 

Exercise. 

tt  To the  business  in  hand,  the  use  of  a  little  insight  in  those  parts 

of  knowledge  is  to  accustom  our  minds  to  all  sorts  of  knowledge." 

After  remaining  with  us  for  two  months,  during  which  he  had  leisure  to 

examine  all  the  curiosities  in  the   neighborhood,  he —  home  to  his 

friends  in  the  country,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  writing  a  work  on  the 
natural  history  of  this  place. 

Having  discovered  that  my  trunk  had  been  left  behind  at  Wisbaden,  I 
was  obliged  to from  Biberich  to  Wisbaden  to  fetch  it,  which  de- 
tained me  a  night  longer  than  I  had  intended. 

When  he  had  gone  through  the  usual  course  of  study  in  the  medical 

schools,  he from  Paris  with  the  intention  of  establishing  himself  as  a 

physician  in  London. 

I  knocked  at  my  friend's  door  and  asked  if  he  had —  London ;  tho 

servant  answered  that  he  had  been  in  town,  but  that  he  was 


To  prevail  with — to  prevail  upon. 
We  prevail  with  another,  when  our  influence  is  sufficiently 
strong  with  him  to  persuade  him  to  do  that  to  which  he  was 
not  inclined ;  we  prevail  upon  another,  when  our  arguments 
are  sufficiently  strong  to  cause  him  to  do  that  to  which  he 
was  violently  disinclined.  An  address  to  the  feelings  pre- 
vails with  another ;  an  address  to  the  reason  prevails  upon  an- 
other. Milton  makes  Eve  say  :  "  The  serpent  prevailed  with 
me."  Charles  the  First  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  give 
up  the  command  of  the  army. 

iMen. there  is  some  hope  the  ladies  of  Rome,  especially  his  mother,  may 

prevail  with  hiro.  Coriolanus,  v.  4. 

Ptsa.  What  false  Italian 

(As  poisonous  tongued,  as  handed)  hath  prevailed 

On  thy  too  ready  hearing  1  Cymbelincy  iii.  2. 

But  with  the  afflicted  in  his  pzings  their  sound 

Little  prevails S.  A.,  661.] 

Exercise. 

"  There  are  four  sorts  of  arguments  that  men,  in  their  reasoning,  make 
use  of  to them." 

"  Herod,  hearing  of  Agrippa's   arrival  in  Upper  Asia,  went  thither  to 
him,  and him  to  accept  an  invitation." 

"  Upon  assurances  of  revolt,  the  queen  was to  send  her  forces 

upon  that  expedition." 

26 


302  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

"  He  was to  restrain  the  Earl  of  Bristol  upon  his  first  arrival." 

" some  judicious  friend  to  be  your  constant  hearer,  and  allow  him 

the  utmost  freedom." 

"  They  are  more  in  danger  to  go  out  of  the  way,  who  are  marching 
under  the  conduct  of  a  guide,  that  it  is  a  hundred  to  one  will  mislead  them, 

than  he  that  has  not  yet  taken  a  step,  and  is  likelier  to  be to  inquire 

after  the  right  way." 

"  Having  reasoned  with  him  for  some  time  on  his  folly,  and  seriously  en- 
treated him  to  consider  its  inevitable  consequences,  I  at  last him  to 

revoke  the  order." 

obdurate  minds  nothing 


To  repeal — to  revoke. 

Both  these  words  mean  to  call  back.  Repeal,  from  the 
French  rappeler ;  and  revoke,  from  the  Latin  revocare. 

We  revoke  what  has  been  said,  we  repeal  what  has  been 
laid  down,  as  law.  Hence,  edicts  are  revoked,  and  statutes 
are  repealed.  The  proclaimed  law  is  revoked ;  the  written 
law  is  repealed.  We  do  not  say  the  repeal — ^but  the  revoca- 
tion of  the  edict  of  Nantes  :  neither  do  we  speak  of  the  revo- 
cation-^-but  of  the  repeal  of  the  Irish  Union.  Both  words  are 
used  chiefly  in  a  legal  or  political  sense.  It  should  also  be 
observed  that  a  single  individual  revokes,  and  that  an  assem- 
bly repeals.  Emperors  and  kings  can  revoke  a  sentence  ;  the 
Parliament  can  repeal  laws. 

f  at. repeal  daily  any  wholesome  act  established  against  the  rich. 

Coriolanusj  1.  1. 
Sic.  Let  them  assemble ; 

And  on  a  safer  judgment,  all  revoke 

Your  ignorant  election. Id.,  ii.  3. 

Whence  Adam  soon  repealed 

The  doubts  that  in  his  heart  arose P.  L.,  vii.  59. 

and  revoke  the  high  decree, 

Unchangeable,  eternal,  which  ordained 

Their  freedom Id.y  iik  126.] 

Exercise. 

No  arguments  could  induce  the  cruel  Suttan  to the  decree  he  had 

published  against  these  unoffending  people,  and  in  a  few  weeks,  they  were 
all  banished  from  the  country. 

Such  laws  as  are  not  found  necessary  to  execute,  or  which  have  arisen 
from  circumstances  no  longer  existing,  should  be  immediately . 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  303 

The  order  was just  in  time  to  save  the  poor  prisoner,  who,  other- 
vise,  would  have  inevitably  suffered  death  that  morning. 

The of  those  taxes  which  pressed  most  heavily  on  the  poorer  por- 
tion of  the  population  was  now  found  absolutely  necessary,  and  a  law  was 
passed  to  that  effect,  at  the  beginning  of  the  session. 

Seeing  the  injury  they  had  caused,  the  king  determined  these 

privileges,  and  to  throw  open  the  competition  to  all  ranks  of  the  state. 

"  When  we  abrogate  a  law  as  being  ill-made,  the  whole  cause  for  which 

it  was  made  still  remaining,  do  we  not  herein our  own  deea,  and 

upbraid  ourselves  with  foUy  ?" 


Shall — will. 
The  following  explanations  will  shew  the  distinction  be- 
tween these  auxiliaries  : — 

I.  When  the  sentence  is  affirmative,  shall,  in  the  first 
person,  expresses  purpose  or  intention ;  in  the  second  and 
third,  it  commands. 

Will,  in  the  first  person,  promises  ;  in  the  second  and  third, 
it  expresses  purpose. 

II.  When  the  sentence  is  interrogative,  shall,  in  the  first  and 
third  persons,  asks  the  permission  or  advice  of  another  ;  in 
the  second,  it  asks  the  intention  of  another. 

Will  is  never  used  properly  (interrogatively)  in  the  first 
person  singular  or  plural  ;  in  the  second,  it  inquires  about  the 
will,  and  in  the  third,  about  the  purpose  of  others. 

The  table  below  will  perhaps  more  clearly  explain  the  dis- 
tinction between  these  words,  so  puzzling  to  natives  as  well 
as  to  foreigners. 

I.  (Affirmatively.) 
Singular. 


J  I  shall  go  =1  intend  to  go. 

\  I  will  go  =1  promise  to  go. 

You  shall  go  =  I  command  you  to  go. 

You  will  go  =  You  intend  to  go. 

He  shall  go  =1  command  him  to  go. 

He  will  go  =  He  intends  to  go. 


\ 


304  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Plural. 

I     (  We  shall  go      =  We  intend  to  go 

\  We  will  go       =  We  promise  to  go. 
2.  As  the  singular. 

q    J  They  shall  go  =  I  command  them  to  go. 

*  (  They  will  go    =  They  intend  to  go. 


■1 


3. 


II.    (iNTERROGATIVELy.) 
Singular. 

Shall  I  go  ?      =  Do  you  wish  me  to  go  ? 
Will  I  go  ?       =  incorrect  (never  said.) 
Shall  you  go  ?  =  Do  you  intend  to  go  ? 

Will  you  go  ?  =  Do  you  |  ^P^^  |  to  go? 

Shall  he  go  ?    =  Do  you  permit  him  to  go  ? 

Will  he  go  ?     =  Does  he  |  ^^^""^^^  |  to  go  ? 

Plural. 

2    S  Shall  we  go  ?  =  Do  you  <  ^  .°?^®  >  us  to  go  ? 

(  Will  we  go  ?    =  incorrect  (never  said.) 
2.  As  the  singular. 
q    J  Shall  they  go?  =  Do  you  choose  them  to  go? 

(  Will  they  go  ?  =  Do  they  intend  to  go  ? 

[Com. we  shall  hardly  in  our  ages  see 

Their  banners  wave  again.  Coriolanus,  iii.  1 

Sen.     he  shall  to  the  market-place.    Id. 

Cor.  Shall  remain ! 

Hear  you  this  Triton  of  the  minnows  ?  mark  you 
His  absolute  shall  1  Id. 

Cor.  This  was  my  speech,  and  I  will  speak  't  again 

Id. 

Sic  If  you  will  pass        Id. 

Com.  He  will  shake 

Your  Rome  about  your  ears.  Id.,  iv.  6. 

Ari.  Wh  it  shall  I  do  ?  say  what  ?  what  shall  I  do  ? 

Tempestf  1.  2. 

Ant.  Sha*.  it  not  grieve  thee  ?  Julius  Ccssar,  iii.  1 

Men.  Wilt  thou  be  lord  of  the  whole  world  ? 

Ant.  and  Cleop.,  ii.  7. 

Imo.  Will  my  lord  say  so  ?  Cymbeline,  i.  7. 

Adam.  Master,  go  on ;  and  I  will  follow  thee 
To  the  last  gasp,  with  truth  and  loyalty.       As  You  Like  It,  ii.  3 
I,  too,  will  have  my  kings  that  take 
From  me  the  sign  of  life  and  death. 
Kingdoms  shall  shift  about,  like  clouds 

Obedient  to  my  breath.  Wordsworth.    *  Rol  Roy's  Grav*  * 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  305 

This  child  I  to  myself  will  take ; 
She  shall  be  mine,  and  I  will  make 
A  Lady  of  my  own. 

***** 

The  stars  of  midnight  shall  be  dear 

To  her ;  and  she  shall  lean  her  ear 

In  many  a  secret  place 

Where  rivulets  dance  their  wayward  round 

And  beauty  bom  of  murmuring  sound 

Shall  pass  into  her  face.  *  Poems  of  the  Imagination.*] 

Exercise. 

*' I  lift  up  the  veil  of  ray  weakness  any  further,  or  is  this  dis» 

closure  sufficient  ?" 

"  What we  say  ?    Which  of  these  is  happier?" 

"  He  was  a  man,  take  him  for  all  in  all. 

We  ne'er look  upon  his  like  again." 

**  I not  urge  that  private  considerations  ought  always  to  give  way 

to  the  necessities  of  the  public." 

"  The  law be  kno^^^l  to-morrow  to  far  the  greatest  number  of 

those  who  may  be  tempted  to  break  it." 

I go  to  Brighton  to-morrow,  and take  an  early  opportuni- 
ty of  calling  on  your  friend  there. 

"  But  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil  thou not  eat ;  for 

in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou surely  die." 

"  Thou not  leave  me  in  the  loathsome  grave 

His  prey,  nor  suffer  my  unspotted  soul 
For  ever  with  corruption  there  to  dwell." 


To  wake — to  waken. 

To  wake  is  to  cease  from  sleeping ;  to  waken  is  to  make  to 
cease  from  sleeping.  The  former  is  an  intransitive,  the 
second,  a  transitive  verb.  This  explanation  will  be  illustrated 
in  the  following  examples  : — "  The  child  woke  at  six  o'clock," 
and,  "  They  wakened  the  child  at  six  o'clock."* 

These  verbs,  when  used  with  the  prefix  a,  (awake,  awaken,) 
have  a  more  intensive  meaning ;  thus,  one  who  wakes,  no 
longer  sleeps  ;  but  one  who  awakes,  rouses  himself  up  from 
his  sleep,  and  shakes  it  off.  Again,  one  who  wakens  another 
interrupts  his   sleep ;    but  one   who   awakens   another  takes 

*  By  the  older  authors  these  two  verbs  were  used  indiscriminately  in  a  transitive 
or  intransitive  sense;  but  the  difference  here  explained  is  observed  by  all  the  best 
modem  writers. 

2-6* 


306  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

care  that  he  shall  not  fall  again  into  his  former  state  of 
sleep. 

[Pro.  graves,  at  my  command, 

Have  waked  their  sleepers  — —  .  Tempest,  v.  1. 

Post. Poor  wretches,  that  depend 

On  greatness'  favour,  dream  as  I  have  done, 

Wake,  and  find  nothing.  Cymbeline,  r.  4. 

Buck.  your  sleepy  thoughts, 

Which  here  we  waken  to  our  country's  good. 

Rich.  III.,  iii.  7 

Pro.  in  my  false  brother 

Awaked  an  evil  nature Tempest,  i.  2. 

Oli.  From  miserable  slumber  I  awaked.       As  You  Like  It,  iv.  3 

Com.  I  ofiered  to  awaken  his  regard 

For  his  private  friends. Coriolanus,  v.  1 

When  Adam  waked,  so  customed P.  L.,  v.  3. 

We  may  no  longer  stay :  go,  waken  Eve.      Id.,  xii.  594. 

now  conscience  wakes  despair 

That  slumbered ;  wakes  the  bitter  memory 

Of  what  he  was Id.,  iv.  23. 

Venus  now  wakes  and  wakens  Love  Comus,  124. 

ere  the  odorous  breath  of  morn 

Awakes  the  slumbering  leaves Milton.    *  Arcades 

and  his  next  subordinate 

Awakening,  thus  to  him  in  secret  spake.         P.  L.,  v.  672. 

I  have  slept 

Weeping,  and  weeping  have  I  waked *  The  Excursion,^  i 

truths  that  wake 

To  perish  never.  *  Intimations  of  Immortality? 

Diverting  evil  purposes,  remorse 
Awakening,  chastening  an  intemperate  grief. 

*  The  Excursion,^  iv 

the  broad  sun 

Is  sinking  down  in  its  tranquillity ; 

The  gentleness  of  heaven  broods  o'er  the  Sea : 

Listen !  the  mighty  being  is  awake, 

And  doth  with  his  eternal  motion  make 

A  sound  like  thunder — everlastingly.  *  Miscel.  Sonnets- '] 

Exercise. 

"  I  cannot  think  any  time, ing  or  sleeping,  without  being  sensible 

of  it." 

"  When  he  was with  the  noise 

And  saw  the  beast  so  small. 
What's  this,  quoth  he,  that  gives  so  weak  a  voice 

That men  withal?" 

"  The  book  ends  abruptly  with  his ing  in  a  fright" 

**  Alack,  I  am  afraid  they  have 

And  'tis  not  done  I" 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  307 

**  The  soul  has  its  curiosity  more  than  ordinarily when  it  turns  its 

thoughts  upon  the  conduct  of  such  who  have  behaved  themselves  with 
an  equal,  a  resigned,  a  cheerful,  a  generous,  or  heroic  temper  in  the  extremity 
of  death." 

"  Death  is  a  scene  calculated  to some  feeling  in  the  most  ob- 
durate breast." 

I at  five  o'clock,  and  rising  immediately,  prepared  for  my  de- 
parture. 

I  desired  the  servant  to me  at  seven  the  next  morning. 


All — Every — Each, 
All  is  collective  ;  every  is  distributive  ;  each  is  restrictive. 
All  describes  things  or  persons  taken  together ;  every  de- 
scribes them  taken  singly  ;  and  each  describes  them  taken 
separately.  In  the  three  following  phrases, — 1.  All  the  men. 
2.  Every  man.  3.  Each  man, — the  first  designates  a  body  of 
men  taken  together ;  the  second  may  designate  the  same 
number  and  in  the  same  position,  but  considered  singly  ;  the 
third  considers  them  apart  from  each  other.  Besides  these 
distinctions,  it  is  to  be  remembered,  that  each  relates  to  two  or 
more  individuals  ;  every,  always  to  several. 

[Jaq.  All  the  world's  a  stage, 

And  all  the  men  and  women  merely  players. 

As  You  Like  Ity  li.  7. 
Duke.  And  this  our  life,  exempt  from  public  haunt, 
Finds  tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  every  thing. 

Id.,  ii.  1 

Flo.  When  you  do  dance,  I  wish  you 

A  wave  of  the  sea,  that  you  might  ever  do 

Nothing  but  that ;  move  still,  still  so,  and  own 

No  other  function :  Each  your  doing 

So  singular  in  each  particular. 

Crowns  what  you  are  doing  in  the  present  deeds. 

That  all  your  acts  are  queens.  Winter^s  Tale,  iv.  3. 

By  all  the  nymphs  that  nightly  dance 

Upon  thy  Streams  with  wily  glance.       Comusj  883. 

I  know  each  lane  and  every  alley  green, 

Dingle,  or  bushy  dell  of  this  wild  wood, 

And  every  bosky  bourn  from  side  to  side. 

Id.,  311. 

the  brook  itself, 

Old  as  the  hills  that  feed  it  from  afar, 
Doth  rather  deepen  than  disturb  the  calm 
Where  all  things  else  are  still  and  motionless. 

Wordsworth.    *  Airey  Force  Valley. 


308  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


-  As  Deep  to  Deep, 


Shouting  through  one  valley  calls, 

All  worlds,  all  natures,  mood  and  measure  keep 

For  praise  and  ceaseless  gratulation,  poured 

Into  the  ear  of  God,  their  Lord !  •  On  the  Power  of  Sound.* 

The  humblest  rivulet  will  take 

Its  own  wild  liberties  ; 
And  every  day  the  imprisoned  lake 

Is  flowing  in  the  breeze.  *  Poems  on  the  Affections  ' 

The  Child  is  father  of  the  Man ; 
And  I  could  wish  my  days  to  be 
Bound  each  to  each  by  natural  piety.      *  Poems  on  Period  of  Childhood.* 

From  ancient  Rome,  downwards  through  that  bright  dream 

Of  commonwealths,  each  city  a  starlike  seat 

Of  rival  glory. *  Tour  in  Italy.''] 

Exercise. 

" man's  performances,  to  be  rightly  estimated,  must  be  compared 

to  the  state  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived." 

*'  Taken  singly  and  individually,  it  might  be  difficult  to  conceive  how 
event  wrought  for  good.  They  must  be  viewed  in  their  conse- 
quences and  effects." 

"  Harold,  by  his  marriage,  broke  measures  with  the  Duke  of 

Normandy." 

*'  And  Brutus  is  an  honorable  man, 

So  are  they , honorable  men." 

" one  that  has  any  idea  of  a  foot,  finds  that  he  can  repeat  that 

idea,  and  joining  it  to  the  former,  make  the  idea  of  two  feet." 
"  Wise  Plato  said  the  world  with  men  was  stored, 

That  succour to  other  might  afford." 

"  Aristotle  has  long  since  observed  how  unreasonable  it  is  to  expect  the 

same  kind  of  proof  for thing,  which  we  have  for  some  things." 

Though  it  is  our  duty  to  live  amicably,  we  cannot  live  in  friendship,  with 


Any — Some, 

Some  is  a  certain  individual  or  collective  quantity,  in  other 
respects  indefinite.  Ajij/  is  whatever  individual  or  quantity 
you  please^  it  is  applied  to  all  individuals  of  every  species, 
and  is  indefinite  in  every  respect. 

Some  men  wish  to  speak  to  you. 

I  do  not  wish  to  see  any  men. 

Some  houses  are  more  convenient  than  others. 

Any  houses  are  more  convenient  than  this. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  309 

Something  has  happened  to  vex  me. 
I  never  knew  any  thing  so  provoking. 

lOrl.  If  ever  you  have  looked  on  better  days  , 
If  ever  been  where  bells  have  knolied  to  church ; 
If  ever  sat  at  any  good  man's  feast.  As  You  Like  Ity  ii.  7. 

Ulys.  O  heavens,  what  some  men  do, 

While  some  men  leave  to  do  I 

How  some  men  creep  in  skittish  fortune's  lull, 

While  others  play  the  idiots  in  her  eyes  !      Troil.  and  Cress,  iii.  3. 

Can  any  mortal  mixture  of  earth's  mould 

Breathe  such  divine  enchanting  ravishment  ? 

ComuSf  244. 
Some  natural  tears  they  dropt,  but  wiped  them  soon. 

P.  2/.,  xii.  644. 
Stranger !  henceforth  be  warned ;  and  know  that  pride 
Howe'er  disguised  in  its  own  majesty 
Is  littleness ;  that  he  who  feels  contempt 
For  any  living  thing,  hath  faculties 
Which  he  has  never  used ;  that  thought  with  him 

Is  in  its  infancy. Wordsworth.    *  Early  Poems,* 

No — man  is  dear  to  man ;  the  poorest  poor 

Long  for  some  moments  in  a  weary  life 

When  they  can  know  and  feel  that  they  have  been. 

Themselves,  the  fathers  and  the  dealers  out 

Of  some  small  blessings '  The  Cumberland  Beggar.^2 

Exercise. 

I  have  seen thing  to-day  which  struck  me  as  very  remarkable. 

I  never  saw thing  equal  to  that*  fellow's  stupidity. 

If  you  will  call  on  me  to-morrow  between  five  and  six  o'clock,  I  have 
-thing  curious  to  shew  you. 


Shall  I  send  you fruit?     Not ,  I  thank  you. 

We  must  converse  on  that  subject day  when  we  are  alone,  and 

there  is  no  one  to  interrupt  us. 

I  shall  be  at  home  all  day  to-morrow ;  and  shall  be  happy  to  see  you  at 
hour  you  choose  to  come. 

At rate,  I  shall  be  sure  to  see  you time  before  your  de- 
parture for  India. 

Never  allow  your  time  to  pass  in  total  inactivity :  occupation, 

however  insignificant,  is  better  than  being  idle. 

children  have  a  quicker  perception  than  others ;  but  those  who 

have  common  sense  can  generally  understand  what  is  clearly  explained. 

*' of  them  did  us  no  great  honor  by  their  claims  of  kmdred." 

"  How  fit  is  this  retreat  for  uninterrupted  study ! one  that  sees  it 

will  own,  I  could  not  have  chosen  a  more  likely  place  to  converse  with  the 
dead  in.'* 

to  the  shores  did  fly, 


-  to  the  woods,  or  whither  fear  advised. 


But  running  from,  all  to  destruction  hie.* 


310  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Common — Ordinary. 

1.  The  distinction  between  these  words  when  they  signify 
of  frequent  use  is  this  :  What  is  common  is  done  by  many  per- 
sons ;  what  is  ordinary  is  repeated  many  times.  Ordinary 
has  to  do  with  the  repetition  of  the  act ;  common,  with  the 
persons  who  perform  it.  Thus,  to  dine  is  a  common  practice, 
because  it  is  done  by  many  persons ;  and  it  is  an  ordinary 
practice,  since  it  is  repeated  every  day.  As  nouns,  the  same 
difference  exists  between  the  two  words  ;  a  common  is  a  piece 
of  ground  which  many  persons  have  an  equal  right  of  enjoy- 
ing ;  an  ordinary  is  a  meal  repeated  daily  or  weekly. 

2.  In  the  sense  of  low,  ordinary  wants  distinction  ;  common 
wants  attraction. 

iSil. The  common  executioner, 

Whose  heart  the  accustomed  sight  of  death  makes  hard, 

Falls  not  the  axe  upon  the  humbled  neck. 

But  first  begs  pardon. As  You  Like  It.,  ill.  5. 

Cas.  Were  I  a  common  laugher,  or  did  use 
To  stale  with  ordinary  oaths  my  love 
To  every  new  protester. Julius  Casar,  1.  2 

This  would  surpass 

Common  revenge P.  L.,  ii.  371. 

Nor  do  1  name  of  meij  the  common  rout. 

That,  wandering  loose  about, 

Grow  up  and  perish,  as  the  summer-fly, 

Heads  without  name,  no  more  remembered.    S.  A.,  674. 

Whose  powers  shed  round  him  in  the  common  strife, 

Or  mild  concerns  of  ordinary  life, 

A  constant  influence,  a  peculiar  grace. 

Wordsworth.    *  Character  of  the  Happy  Warrior.* 

'Tis  a  common  tale. 

An  ordinary  sorrow  of  man's  Life.  *  The  Excursion,*  i.] 

Exercise. 

"  Men  may  change  their  climate,  but  they  cannot  their  nature.  A  man 
that  goes  out  a  fool,  cannot  ride  or  sail  himself  into sense." 

"  Though  in  arbitrary  governments  there  may  be  a  body  of  laws  ob- 
scured in  the forms  of  justice,  they  are  not  sufficient  to  secure  any 

rights  to  the  people,  because  they  may  be  dispensed  with." 

"  Though  life  and  sense  be to  man  and  brutes,  and  their  opera- 
tions in  many  things  alike ;  yet  by  this  form  he  lives  the  life  of  a  man,  and 
not  of  a  brute,  and  has  the  sense  of  a  man,  and  not  of  a  brute." 

It  is  a — ly  received  opinion  that  art  cannot  flourish  without  patron- 
age ;  that  is,  that  unless,  in  every  country,  individuals  of  rank  and  wealth 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  311 

bestow  some  of  their  riches  in  encouraging  the  efforts  of  the  artist,  those 
efforts  must  fail,  and  their  originator  must  languish  in  poverty  and  neglect. 

"  Neither  is  it  strange  that  there  should  be  mysteries  in  divinity,  as  well 
as  in  the operations  of  nature." 

"  Every reader,  upon  the  publishing  of  a  new  poem,  has  will  and 

ill-nature  enough  to  turn  several  passages  of  it  into  ridicule,  and  very  often 
in  the  right  place  " 


Enormous — Immense, 
Enormous  is  out  of  rule  ;  immense,  beyond  measure.  Enor- 
mous is  properly  applied  to  magnitude ;  immense,  to  extent 
and  distance.  A  giant  is  enormous ;  the  ocean  is  immense. 
A  man  of  enormous  strength  is  one  who  is  stronger  than  most 
men ;  a  man  of  immense  strength  is  one  whose  strength  is  in- 
calculable. Immense  expresses  a  higher  degree  than  enor- 
mous. Milo  of  Crotona  was  said  to  possess  enormous  strength ; 
Samson  was  endowed  with  immense  strength. 

Men.  In  what  enormity  is  Marcius  poor,  that  you  two  have  not  m  abundance  ? 

Coriolanusy  ii.  1. 


-  Titan,  heaven's  first-bom, 


With  his  enormous  brood,  and  birthright  seized 

By  younger  Saturn. P.  Z..,  i.  511. 

lifted  up  so  high, 

I  'sdained  subjection,  and  thought  one  step  higher 

Would  set  me  highest,  and  in  a  moment  quit 

The  debt  immense  of  endless  gratitude. 

So  burdensome  ;  still  paying,  still  to  owe.    P.  L.,  iv.  52 

Thither  the  rainbow  comes— the  cloud — 

And  mists  that  spread  the  flying  shroud ; 

And  sunbeams ;  and  the  sounding  blast, 

That,  if  it  could,  would  hurry  past ; 

But  the  enormous  barrier  holds  it  fast.     Wordsworth.    *  Fidelity. 

The  eminence  whereon  her  spirit  stood 

Mine  was  unable  to  attain.    Immense 

The  space  that  severed  us  !    But,  as  the  sight 

Communicates  with  heaven's  ethereal  orbs 

Incalculably  distant ;  so,  I  felt 

That  consolation  may  descend  from  far.       *  The  Excursion,^  iii.] 

Exercise, 

The  national  debt  of  Great  Britain  is  calculated  at  between  eight  and 

nine  hundred  millions  sterling ;  an sum,  and  which  would  appear 

suiQcient  to  crush  the  energies  of  the  most  industrious  nation  on  earth. 

The  hydro-oxygen  microscope  magnifies  to  10,000  times,  so  that  mites 
in  cheese,  when  seen  through  its  tube,  appear  of  an size. 


312  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

The  greater  part  of  North  America,  when  first  colonized,  was  covered 

with forests,  which  have  been  gradually   cleared   away,   as  the 

settlers  increased,  and  required  the  ground  for  cultivation. 

"  It  is  related  of  Maxirain,  the  Roman  emperor,  that  he  was  a  man  of  such 

size,  that  his  wife's  bracelet  usually  served  him  for  a  thumb-ring; 

and  also  that  his  strength  was  so ,  that  he  could  break  a  horse's  leg 

with  a  kick." 

The expanse  of  ocean  which  here  presents  itself  to  the  eye  of  the 

astonished  beholder,  fills  him  with  the  sublimest  thoughts. 

His  appetite  was  so ,  that  one  of  his  usual  meals  would  have  suf- 
ficed to  satisfy  the  desires  of  four  ordinary  men. 

"  The  Thracian  Acamas  his  falchion  found, 

And  hew'd  the giant  to  the  ground." 

"  O  goodness  infinite !  goodness  •  ! 

That  all  this  good  of  evil  shall  produce  !" 


Ferocious — Savage, 
The  etymology  of  the  word  ferocious  is,  partaking  of  tne 
nature  of  beasts  ;  the  derivation  of  savage  points  to  a  particular 
mode  of  life  ;  viz.,  that  of  the  woods.  Ferocious  is,  there- 
fore, like  a  wild  beast ;  savage,  like  an  inhabitant  of  the 
woods.  Ferocious  is  opposed  to  gentle  ;  savage,  to  civilized. 
The  cruelty  of  a  savage  is  the  consequence  of  his  mode  of 
life,  of  his  want  of  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men,  &c.  ;  the 
cruelty  of  a  ferocious  man  arises  from  his  natural  disposition. 
Savages  are  not  always  ferocious ;  many  of  them  have  been 
remarkable  for  their  gentleness  of  disposition.  The  savage 
man  requires  culture  and  civilization ;  the  ferocious  man  re- 
quires taming. 

iOrl.  Speak  you  so  gently  ?    Pardon  me,  I  pray  you ; 
I  thought  that  all  things  had  been  savage  here. 

As  You  Like  It,  ii.  7. 


-  O,  might  I  here 


In  solitude  live  savage,  in  some  glade 

Obscured P.  L.,  ix.  1085. 

In  him  the  savage  virtue  of  the  Race, 
Revenge,  and  all  ferocious  thoughts  were  dead : 
Nor  did  he  change  ;  but  keep  in  lofty  place 
The  wisdom  which  adversity  had  bred. 

Wordsworth.    *  Song  of  Brousham  Castle, 
A  savage  horde  among  the  civilized, 
A  servile  band  among  the  lordly  free !  '  The  Excursion,*  iz.] 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  313 


Exercise. 


Among  civilized  men,  we  have  as  many  examples  of brutality,  as 

among  the  untutored  savages  of  the  woods. 

The  parties  of  American  Indians  who  lately  visited  London  exhibited  all 

the  varieties  of  a life  before  their  spectators  ;   they  pitched  their 

tents,  sang,  danced,  shot  at  a  target,  &c. 

The  Romans  were  considered  a  civilized  people,  and  yet,  where  do  we 

find  more  frequent  examples  of  a disposition  than  among  the  Roman 

soldier}^  ? 

It  is  an  error  to  suppose  that  the  habits  of  a ife  necessarily  in- 
volve cruelty  of  disposition,  though  it  must  be  admitted  that  they  frequently 
produce  that  result. 

Of  all  the  tribes  which  contributed  to  the   destruction  of  the 

Roman  empire,  the  Huns  were  the  most and  the  most  formidable. 

The  victory  which  the  rebels  had  thus  gained  was  followed  by  the  most 
cruelties. 

The ' —  nature  of  the  young  barbarian  was  soon  softened  by  his  in- 
tercourse with  the  inhabitants  of  civilized  nations. 

"  The character  of  Moloch  appears  both  in  the  battle  and  the 

council  with  exact  consistency." 

*'  Thus  people  lived  altogether  a life,  till  Saturn,  arriving  on  those 

coasts,  devised  laws  to  govern  them." 


Grecian —  Greek. 
The  adjectives  Greek  and  Grecian  are  often  indiscriminately 
used.  The  distinction  which  ought  to  be  observed  between 
them  is  as  follows  : — Greek  signifies  belonging  to  Greece  ; 
and  Grecian,  relating  to  Greece.  We  may  speak  of  a  Greek 
poet,  the  Greek  language  ;  and  of  Grecian  architecture,  or 
Grecian  history.  An  imitation  of  what  is  Greek,  is  Grecian. 
A  Greek  helmet  is  one  preserved  as  a  piece  of  antiquity  ;  a 
Grecian  helmet  is  one  made  of  the  same  form  and  shape.  A 
Greek  temple  is  a  temple  in  Greece ;  a  Grecian  temple  is 
one  built  upon  the  model  of  a  Greek  temple. 

[Where  the  bare  columns  of  those  lofty  firs, 

Supporting  gracefully  a  massy  dome 

Of  sombre  foliage,  seem  to  imitate 

A  Grecian  temple  rismg  from  the  Deep.  *  The  Excursiony'  iz. 

characters  of  Greek  or  Roman  fame. 

'  Ecclet.  Sonnets.*} 

27 


314  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 

"  I  shall  publish,  very  speedily,  the  translation  of  a  little manu 

script." 

"  Look  upon  Greece  and  its  free  states,  and  you  would  think  its  inhabit 
ants  lived  in  different  climates,  and  under  different  heavens  from  those  al 
present ;  so  different  are  the  geniuses  which  are  formed  under  Turkish 
slavery,  and liberty." 

"  In  the tongue  he  hath  his  name  Apollyon." 

"  The  whole  school  of  the rhetoricians  of  that  time,  (the  reign  of 

Hadrian,)  who  looked  upon  themselves  as  forming  a  second  golden  age  of 
oratory,  spoke  and  wrote  from  the  models  of  the  ancients,  but,  unfor- 
tunately, there  is  no  substance  in  what  they  spoke  and  wrote." 

"  It  is  not  surprising,  however  culpable,  that  in  opposition  to  the  general 
taste  of  mankind,  many  still  admire,  and  labour  to  restore,  the  Gothic 

architecture  ;  or  that,  tired  of beauty,  they  endeavour  to  import  into 

northern  climates  a  style  often  mixed  and  modified  with  their  own  grotesque 
or  puerile  inventions." 


Handsome — Pretty. 
Handsome  qualifies  what  is  at  once  striking  and  noble. 
Pretty  is  said  of  that  which  combines  the  qualities  small, 
regular,  graceful,  and  delicate.  We  admire  what  is  hand- 
some ;  we  love  what  is  pretty.  Trees  are  handsome. 
Flowers  are  pretty.  Neither  handsome  nor  pretty  is  of 
necessity  combined  with  expression,  though  they  do  not  ex- 
clude it.  A  man  may  be  handsome,  and  a  woman  pretty, 
without  either  of  them  having  an  intelligent  expression.  The 
words  imply  merely  regularity,  proportion,  and  symmetry. 

ilago.  the  knave  is  handsome,  young 

Othello,  ii.  1. 

Ohe.  And  that  same  dew,  which  sometime  on  the  buds 
Was  wont  to  swell,  like  round  and  orient  pearls, 
Stood  now  within  the  pretty  flowrets'  eyes, 
Like  tears,  that  did  their  own  disgrace  bewail. 

Mid.  N.  Dreanit  iv.  1. 
J^i^  in  my  leaves— now  shed  and  gone. 

The  linnet  lodged,  and  for  us  two 

Chanted  his  pretty  songs,  when  you 
Had  little  voice  or  none.       Wordsworth.    *  Poems  of  the  Fancy.*"! 

Exercise, 

At  the  foot  of  the  hill  stood  a cottage  in  the  piidst  of  a  beautiful 

pardon  filled  with  the  choicest  plants  and  flowers. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  315 

The  town-house  is  a building  of  the  Doric  order,  extending  three 

hundred  yards  along  the  river,  and  has  a  very  striking  appearance  from 
whatever  side  you  approach  it. 

Belzoni,  the  traveller,  was  a  tall, man,  of  extraordinary  muscular 

strength,  and  able  to  support  the  greatest  fatigues. 

I  had  got  over  the  stile,  and  was  walking  through  the  field,  when  I  per- 
ceived a  group  of  children  amusing  themselves  in  the  neighbouring  meadows. 

They  were  dancing  in  a  ring  round  one  of  the est  little  girls  I  ever 

beheld,  and  repeating,  as  they  danced,  some  lines,  which  I  was  not  near 
enough  to  understand. 

The  Forget-me-not,  one  of  the est  flowers  I  ever  saw,  grows  wild 

on  the  hills  of  Prussia  and  Nassau. 

"  Dresden  is  the  neatest  town  I  have  seen  in  Germany  ;  most  of  the 
bouses  are  new  built,  and  the  Elector's  palace  is  very ." 

"  The  Saxon  ladies  resemble  the  Austrian  no  more  than  the  Chinese  do 
those  of  London  ;  they  are  very  genteelly  dressed,  after  the  English  and 
French  modes,  and  have  generally faces." 


Impertinent — Insolent, 
Impert-inent  and  insolent  are  both  Latin  words.  We  are 
impertinent  when  we  do  or  say  any  thing  which  does  not  be- 
long to  us,  or  which  is  not  our  business.  We  are  insolent 
when  we  are  heedless  of  the  rank  or  position  in  society  of 
those  whom  we  address.  The  impertinent  man  shews  a 
want  of  discretion ;  the  insolent  man,  a  want  of  humility,  or 
self-respect. 

[Pro. without  the  which,  this  story 

Were  most  impertinent.  '  Tempest^''  i.  2. 

Bru.  Caius  Marcius  was 

A  worthy  officer  i'  the  war ;  but  insolent, 
O-ercome  with  pride,  ambitious  past  all  thinking. 

Coriolanusy  iv.  6. 

but  to  know 

That  which  before  us  lies  in  daily  life, 

Is  the  prime  wisdom  ;  what  is  more,  is  fume. 

Or  emptiness,  or  fond  impertinence.  P.  L.,  viii.  195 

No  less  the  people,  on  their  holy-days, 

Impetuous,  insolent,  unquenchable.  S.  A.f  1422. 


- 1  should  be  loth 


To  meet  the  rudeness  and  swilled  insolence 

Of  such  rude  wassailers. ComuSf  178. 


316  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

-  you  would  I  extol 


Not  for  gross  good  alone  which  ye  produce, 
But  for  the  impertinent  and  ceaseless  strife 
Of  proofs  and  reasons  ye  preclude '  The  Excursion,''  f 

-  if,  need  be,  defy 


Change,  with  a  brow  not  insolent,  though  stern. 

*  Tour  in  Italy. '] 

Exercise. 

It  is  much  more  difficult  to  bear  the haughtiness  of  our  superioiSj 

than  the behaviour  of  our  equals  or  inferiors. 

His  indiscretion  was  unparalleled  ;  and  his  curiosity  so  insatiable,  that  he 
was  continually  asking  the  most questions. 

is  a  quality  peculiar  to  httle  minds,  and  results  from  want  of  dis- 
cretion and  good  sense  ; may  exist  in  combination  with  a  strong 

judgment,  and  is  nearly  allied  to  conceit  and  egotism :  the  former  excites 
our  pity  or  contempt,  the  latter  is  always  odious. 

A  modest  and  respectful  deportment  sits  well  upon  all  persons,  especially 

upon  the  young,  in  whom  an forwardness,  and  prying  curiosity,  are 

most  reprehensible  qualities. 

Finding  that  his  deceit  was  likely  to  be  discovered,  and  having  exhausted 

all  his  arts  of  concealment,  he  assumed  an tone,  expecting  to  frighten 

his  accusers  into  a  belief  of  what  he  could  not  persuade  them  was  true. 

On  being  questioned  by  the  master  about  what  he  knew  of  the  "matter, 

the  boy  replied,  with  great ,  that  he  was  his  own  master  when  the 

Bchool-hours  were  over,  and  that  he  was  not  responsible  for  his  actions  to 
any  one  but  his  parents. 

"  The  ladies  whom  you  visit  think  a  wise  man  the  most creature 

living  ;  therefore  you  cannot  be  offended  that  they  are  displeased  with  you." 

"  We  have  not  pillaged  those  provinces  which  we  rescued ;  victory  itself 
hath  not  made  us masters." 


Ingeiiious- — Ingenuous, 

Ingenious  respects  the  intellectual ;  ingenuous,  the  moral 
man.  Ingenious  appears  in  the  work  ;  ingenuous,  in  the  face. 
Men  are  ingenious  who  invent  or  contrive  what  raises  our  ad- 
miration. Children  are  ingenuous  in  whose  character  there  is 
no  deceit.  An  ingenious  contrivance  ;  an  ingenuous  answer. 
Both  these  words,  in  their  derivation,  lead  us  to  the  idea  of  a 
natural,  inborn  quality ;  the  one  moral,  the  other  intellectual. 

IGlo.  O,  'tis  a  parlous  boy  ; 

Bold,  quick,  ingenio\;s,  forward,  capable,         Richard  III.,  lii  i. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  317 

Gay,  volatile,  ingenious,  quick  to  learn 
And  prompt  to  exhibit  all  that  he  possessed, 

Or  could  perform. ♦  The  ExcursioHy^  vi. 

He  was  among  the  prime  in  worth. 

An  object  beauteous  to  behold  ; 
Well-born,  well-bred  ;  I  sent  him  forth 
Ingenuous,  innocent,  and  bold.    '  Poems  on  the  Affections  '] 

Exercise. 

He  who  does  not  choose  to  screen  himself  from  punishment  by  a  false- 
hood, will ly  confess  his  fault. 

An behaviour  is,  in  some  degree,  a  compensation  for  faults  com- 
mitted. 

He  is who  is  apt  at  inventing  modes  of  evading  difficulties,  or  who 

can  with  facility  construct  machines  which  shall  answer  certain  intended 
purposes. 

It  is to  disclaim  a  title  to  that  praise  which  we  are  conscious  of 

not  deserving. 

An artisan  is  ready  at  contrivances,  and  is  quick  at  applying  them 

to  his  handicraft. 

The  youngest  son  is  a  noble  boy,  with  a  frank  and countenance, 

and  by  far  the  handsomest  of  the  family. 

What  is  there  which  the of  man  will  not  at  length  accomplish ! 

He  skims  over  the  surface  of  the  ocean,  dives  into  the  deepest  recesses  of 
the  earth,  and  even  soars  into  the  regions  of  the  sky  in  search  of  knowledge. 

On  being  asked  the  question,  the  boy ly  acknowledged  his  fault, 

and  told  every  thing  he  knew  of  the  transaction. 

**  Compare  the pliableness  to  virtuous  counsels  which  is  in  youth, 

to  the  confirmed  obstinacy  in  an  old  sinner." 

" to  their  ruin,  every  age 

Improves  the  arts  and  instruments  of  rage." 


Irksome — Tedious, 
Irksome  is  from  the  Saxon  tceorcsam,  bringing  pain,  hurtful ; 
tedious  is  from  the  Latin  tcedium,  weariness  caused  by  time. 
Irksomeness  is  the  uneasiness  of  mind  caused  by  the  contem- 
plation of  what  must  be  done,  and  is  disagreeable  to  per- 
form. Tediousness  is  the  uneasiness  caused  by  continuing 
for  some  time  engaged  in  the  same  action.  The  nature  of  the 
thing  to  be  done  makes  it  irksome ;  the  time  it  takes  doing 
makes  it  tedious.  Tedious,  then,  can  never  be  said  of  what  is 
to  be  done,  since  it  is  the  consequence  of  action  already  begun 

27* 


318  PRACTICAL   EXERCISES 

and  continued.     A  work  to  be  done  may  be  irksome,  a  work 
nearly  completed  may  be  tedious. 

iPhe.  Thy  company,  which  erst  was  irksome  to  me, 
I  will  endure. As  You  Like  Ity  ill.  5. 

Lew.  Life  is  as  tedious  as  a  twice-told  tale, 
Vexing  the  dull  ear  of  a  drowsy  man.  King  Johuy  iii.  4 

For  not  to  irksome  toil,  but  to  delight 

He  made  us,  and  de-ight  to  reason  joined.     P.  L.,  ix.  243 

More  solemn  than  the  tedious  pomp  that  waits 

On  princes Id.,  v.  355 

^   Ne'er  can  the  way  be  irksome  or  forlorn 
That  winds  into  itself  for  sweet  return. 

Wordsworth.    *  Tour  in  Scotland, 

1  feel 

The  story  linger  in  my  heart ;  I  fear 

'Tis  long  and  tedious *  The  Excursion^''  i.] 

Exercise. 

"  There  is  nothing  so as  general  discourses,  especially  when  they 

turn  chiefly  upon  words." 

"  They  unto  whom  we  shall  seem are  in  nowise  injured  by  us, 

because  it  is  in  their  own  hands  to  spare  that  labour  which  they  are  not  will- 
ing to  endure." 

Many  persons  find  it  very to  give  and  receive  visits. 

Having  neither  books,  nor  companions,  he  was  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to 
employ  the hours,  when,  to  his  great  surprise  and  satisfaction,  he  re- 
ceived a  letter  which  informed  him  that  an  intimate  friend  was  then  residing 
at  a  house  not  three  miles  from  the  place. 

Such  is  the  perversity  of  human  nature,  that  we  frequently  find  our  occu- 
pations   simply  from  the  consciousness  that  we  are  obliged  to  be  en- 
gaged in  themu 

At  last  we  arrived  at  the  end  of  our journey,  the  inconveniences  of 

which  I  must  relate  to  you  in  detail  the  first  opportunity. 

"  For  not  to toil,  but  to  delight 

He  made  us." 
"  On  minds  of  dove-like  innocence  possessed, 
On  lightened  minds  that  bask  in  virtue's  beams, 
Nothing  hangs ." 


Liable — Subject, 
What  we  are  subject  to  arises  from  the  nature  of  our  moral  or 
physical  constitution.     We  are  rendered  liable  by  the  circum- 
stances of  our  position.     We  are  subject ;  we  become  liable. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  319 

All  men  are  subject  to  death ;  whoever  sits  in  a  draught  is 
liable  to  cold.  We  incur  liabilities  ;  we  are  subject  by  nature. 
He  who  runs  into  debt  is  liable  to  arrest.  Many  men  of  irri- 
table temperament  are  subject  to  paroxysms  of  rage.  They 
who  calculate  badly  are  liable  to  sustain  loss. 

IK.  John.  Apt,  liable,  to  be  employed  in  danger.    King  John,  iv.  2. 

Const.  A  widow,  husbandless,  subject  to  fears.      Id.,  iii.  1. 

Proudly  secure,  yet  liable  to  fall 

By  weakest  subtleties S.  A.,  55. 

And  who  attains  not,  ill  aspires  to  rule 

Cities  of  men,  or  headstrong  multitudes. 

Subject  himself  to  anarchy  within 

Or  lawless  passions  in  him,  which  he  serves.  P.  R.,  ii.  47i 

Knowledge  for  us,  is  difficult  to  gain — 

Is  difficult  to  gain  and  hard  to  keep — 

As  virtue's  self ;  like  virtue  is  beset 

With  snares ;  tried,  tempted,  subject  to  decay.    *  The  Exctr^ion,  v.] 

Exercise. 

We  are  all to  the  infirmities  and  weakness  of  our  mortal  condition, 

from  which  no  privilege  can  exempt  any  individual. 

Those  who  indulge  in  excess  of  any  kind  render  themselves to 

many  pains  and  troubles  from  which  the  sober  and  moderate  are  exempted. 

The  unworthy  are  always  the  most to  suspect  the  motives  of 

others,  because  they  are  conscious  of  their  own  unworthiness,  and  judge  of 
others  by  themselves. 

Every  man  is to  death,  from  which  no  human  being  has  ever 

escaped,  or  will  ever  escape. 

He  was  for  many  years to  violent  fits  of  coughing,  which  attacked 

him  suddenly,  and  so  weakened  his  constitution,  that  for  a  long  time  it  was 
thought  that  he  would  never  recover  his  health. 

In  many  of  the  offices  of  this  institution,  the  clerks,  by  omission  or  neglect 
of  duty,  render  themselves  — to  certain  forfeits. 

Ever  since  they  have  be€n  in  this  climate,  the  men  have  become  much 
more to  fever  and  ague  than  they  were  before  their  arrival  here. 

"  The  devout  man  aspires  after  some  principles  of  more  perfect  feUcity, 
which  shall  not  be to  change  or  decay." 

"  This,  or  any  other  scheme,  coming  from  a  private  hand,  might  be 

to  many  defects." 


Little — Small. 
Little  wants  dimension ;  small  wants  extension.     Little  is 
opposed  to  big  or  great;  small  is  opposed  to  large.     Little  is 


320  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

derived  from  the  Saxon  lyt  dael,  a  light  portion  or  part.  Small, 
from  sttkbI,  slender.  Little  boys  become  big  by  growing. 
Small  children  become  larger.  A  little  piece  does  not  weigh 
much ;  a  small  piece  does  not  present  much  surface  to  the 
eye.  The  word  little  is  often  used  in  a  secondary  sense  foi 
mean  ;  as,  "  a  little  action."  This  signification  may  be  ac- 
counted for  by  its  root,  light,  that  is,  without  weight,  Tight  of 

estimation. 

iLadt/  M.  all  the  perfumes  ot  Arabia  will  not  sweeten  this  little  hand. 

Macbethy  v.  1. 
Lor.  There's  not  the  smallest  orb,  which  thou  behold'st, 
But  in  his  motion  like  an  angel  sings, 
Still  quiring  to  the  young-eyed  cherubins.         Merch.  of  Venice,  v.  1. 

And  gives  them  leave  to  wear  their  sapphire  crowns 
And  wield  their  little  tridents Comus,  27. 

-  slumbering  on  the  Norway  foam, 


The  pilot  of  some  small  night-foundered  skiff. 

P.  L.,  1.  204 
Ye  who  are  longing  to  be  rid 
Of  fable,  though  to  truth  subservient,  hear 
The  little  sprinkling  of  cold  earth  that  fell 
Echoed  from  the  coffin-lid  ; 
The  convict's  summons  in  the  steeple's  knell , 
'  The  vain  distress-gun'  from  a  leeward  shore. 
Repeated, — heard,  and  heard  no  more  ! 

Wordsworth.    *  On  the  Power  of  Sound.* 
As  on  a  sunny  bank,  a  tender  lamb 
Lurks  in  safe  shelter  from  the  winds  of  March, 
Screened  by  its  parent,  so  that  little  mound 
Lies  guarded  by  its  neighbour  ;  the  small  heap 
Speaks  for  itself ;  an  Infant  there  doth  rest . 
The  sheltering  hillock  is  the  Mother's  grave.     '  The  Excursion,^  vi.} 

Exercise. 

I  saw  a  pretty girl  standing  at  the  garden-gate  with  her  lap  full 

of  roses. 

The  garden,  though  very ,  was  extremely  well  kept,  and  full  of 

the  choicest  plants  and  flowers. 

This boy  is  a  very and  delicate  child,  and  will  require 

great  care  in  rearing. 

The est  heads  do  not  always  belong  to  the  most  stupid  persons ; 

frequently,  the  very  reverse  is  tlie  fact. 

My  words,  I  know,  will  have  but weight  with  you ;  nevertheless, 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  warn  you  of  the  consequences  of  your  present  course 
of  life. 

There  are  some  insects  so as  not  to  be  discernible  with  the  naked 

eye  ;  and  these  have  a  nervous  system,  circulation  of  the  blood,  pulsation  of 
the  heart,  &c. ! 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  321 

This  piece  of  lead  is  too to  weigh  against  every  thing  that  is  in 

the  other  scale  ;  and  it  is  far  too to  fill  up  the  space  in  the  wainscot 

between  those  two  boards. 

"  The  talent  of  turning  men  into  ridicule,  and  exposing  to  laughter  those 
one  converses  with,  is  the  qualification  of ,  ungenerous  tempers." 

"  He  whose  knowledge  is  at  best  but  limited,  and  whose  intellect  proceeds 

by  a ,  diminutive  light,  cannot  but  receive  an  additional  light  by  the 

conceptions  of  another  man.*' 


Ludicrous — Ridiculous, 
Ludicrous  conveys  an  idea  of  sport  or  game.  Ridiculous, 
that  of  laughter.  Ridiculous  includes  an  idea  of  contempt, 
which  ludicrous  does  not  convey.  Persons  make  themselves 
ridiculous  when  they  do  or  say  that  which  excites  our  laugh- 
ter, mixed  with  contempt.  The  affected  are  ridiculous.  The 
ludicrous  is  found  in  circumstances  which  excite  laughter,  but 
which  are  not  disparaging  to  the  person  laughed  at.  A  mon- 
key's tricks  are  ludicrous.  The  ridiculous  makes  us  laugh, 
and  at  the  same  time  lowers  our  estimation  of  the  person  or 
thing  laughed  at.  He  who  talks  confidently  of  what  he  does 
not  understand,  in  the  presence  of  competent  judges  of  the 
subject  of  his  remarks,  makes  himself  ridiculous. 

{Sal.  or  with  taper-light 

To  seek  the  beauteous  eye  of  heaven  to  garnish 
Is  wasteful,  and  ridiculous  excess.  King  John,  iv.  2. 

-  thus  was  the  building  left 


Ridiculous,  and  the  work  Confusion  named.        P.  L.,  xii.  62.] 

Exercise, 

There  is  no  folly  more  carefully  to  be  avoided  than  affectation :  it  anni- 
hilates all  that  charming  simplicity  which  is  the  great  attraction  of  youth, 
and  renders  us in  the  eyes  of  all  sensible  persons. 

It  has  been  objected  to  Shakespere  that  by  introducing scenes 

into  his  tragedies,  he  calls  off  the  attention  of  the  audience  from  the  main 
plot,  and  disturbs  the  action  of  the  drama. 

Those  who  endeavour  to  make  the  wise  and  good  appear  in  a light 

deserve  the  strongest  reprehension. 

If  any  one,  fifty  years  ago,  had  predicted  that  we  should  be  able  to  travel 
at  the  rate  of  sixty  miles  an  hour,  the  idea  would  have  been  treated  by  his 
contemporaries  as . 

Nothing  can  be  more than  the  attempts  which  a  tipsy  man  makes 

to  endeavour  to  prove  to  others  that  he  is  perfectly  sober. 


322  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

"  Plutarch  quotes  this  instance  of  Homer's  judgment,  in  closing  a  ■ 

scene  with  decency  and  instruction." 

"  Gifford  was  not  content  with  making  the  author ;  he  desired  to 

heap  scorn  on  his  person,  and  to  make  him  out  a  fool,  a  knave,  or  an 
atheist." 


Mature — Ripe. 
Both  these  words  qualify  those  things  which  are  arrived  at 
the  perfection  of  their  development.  Between  them,  however, 
the  following  distinctions  are  to  be  observed.  Ripe  is  used  in 
both  a  proper  and  a  secondary  sense  ;  whereas  mature  is  gen- 
erally used  figuratively.  We  may  say  equally,  a  ripe  fruit, 
and  a  ripe  judgment ;  but  we  cannot  correctly  say,  mature 
fruit.  Again,  ripe  signifies  brought  to  perfection  by  growth ; 
mature,  brought  to  perfection  by  time.  A  project  becomes 
ripe  for  execution  from  the  combination  of  those  circumstances 
which  tend  to  its  development.  Judgment  arrives  at  maturity 
by  time  only. 

[Rom.  they  are  in  a  ripe  aptness,  to  take  all  power  from  the  people,  and  to 

pluck  from  them  their  tribunes  forever.  This  lies  glowing,  I  can  tell  you,  and  is 
almost  mature  for  the  violent  freaking  out. 

Coriolanus,  iv.  4. 

Vol.  thy  stout  heart, 

That  humble,  as  the  ripest  mulberry 

Now  will  not  hold  the  handling. Id.,  ill.  2. 

till,  like  ripe  fruit,  thou  drop 

Into  thy  mother's  lap ;  or  be  with  ease 
Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked  ;  for  death  mature  : 

P.  L.,  xi.  535. 
Yet  years,  and  to  ripe  years  judgement  mature, 
Quench  not  the  thirst  of  glory,  but  augment— 

P.  R.,  iii.  37. 
Of  man  mature,  or  matron  sage. 

Wordsworth.    *  Poems  of  the  Fancy.^ 
Like  a  ripe  date  which  in  the  desert  falls 
Without  a  hand  to  gather  it.  *  The  Excursion,''  ii.] 

Exercise, 

On  reflection,  he  perceived  the  danger  he  incurred  in  associating 

with  these  men,  and  withdrew  from  their  company  just  in  time  to  save  him- 
self from  ruin. 

The  fruit,  when ,  is  gathered  in  large  baskets,  and  after  being  care- 
fully picked  from  the  stalk  by  children  employed  for  the  purpose,  is  thrown 
into  shallow  wooden  tubs,  in  which  it  is  mashed  and  left  to  ferment. 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  323 

Though  the  greatest  precaution  was  used  in  conducting  the  plot,  and  the 
conspirators  had  the  most  unbounded  confidence  that  they  should  be  able  to 

carry  out  their  design,  scarcely  were  their  plans for  execution,  when 

they  were  all  arrested,  and  thrown  into  prison. 

The  young,  whatever  natural  abilities  or  quickness  of  perception  they  may 
5,  cannot  have  that  experience  and  knowledge  of  the  world  which 
years  alone  can  give. 

**  Th'  Athenian  sage,  revolving  in  his  mind 
This  weakness,  blindness,  madness  of  mankhid, 

Foretold  that  in er  days,  though  late, 

When  time  should  ripen  the  decrees  of  fate, 
Some  god  would  hght  us," 


Modest — Bashful, 

Modest,  as  synonymous  with  bashful,  signifies  that  retiring 
manner  of  behaviour  which  is  opposed  to  self-sufiiciency  and 
conceit.  Bashful  implies  an  awkwardness  of  manner  arising 
from  want  of  self-confidence.  The  modest  have  not  too  high 
an  opinion  of  themselves.  The  bashful  blush,  hang  down 
their  heads,  and  stammer  when  spoken  to.  It  is  as  charming  to 
converse  with  the  modest,  as  it  is  painful  to  converse  with  the 
bashful.  The  modest  are  confident,  though  not  conceited ; 
the  bashful  have  no  self-possession. 

[K.  Hen.  In  peace,  there's  nothing  so  becomes  a  man, 
As  modest  stiUness,  and  humihty  Henry  V.,  iii.  1. 

K.  RicJi,  Make  bold  her  bashful  years  with  your  experience. 

Richard  HI.,  iv.  4 

to  wisest  men  and  best, 

Seeming  at  first  all  heavenly  under  virgin  veil. 

Soft,  modest,  meek,  demure.  S.  A.*  1036. 

By  playful  smiles,  (alas,  too  oft 

A  sad  heart's  sunshine)  by  a  soft 

And  gentle  nature,  and  a  free 

Yet  modest  hand  of  charity,  &c.     Wobdsworth.    *  Epitaph.* 

the  bashful  maid 

Smitten  while  all  the  promises  of  life 

Are  opening  round  her *  The  Excursion,^  v.J 

Exercise, 

His  kindness,  affability,  and deportment,  together  with  his  well- 
known  courage  and  great  talent,  gained  him  the  universal  love  and  respect 
of  his  countrymen^ 


324  PRACTICAL  EXERCISER 

"  He  looked  with  an  almost kind  of  modesty,  as  if  he  feared  the 

eyes  of  man." 

"  Antiochus  wept,  because  of  the  sober  and behayiour  of  him  that 

was  dead." 

authors,  in  their  first  attempts  at  writing,  either  conceal  their 

names,  or  appear  before  the  public  with  an  assumed  title. 

Conquerors  should  be  ,  for  in  prosperous  fortune,  it  is  difficult  to 

refrain  from  pride  and  conceit ;  indeed  some  good  and  great  captains  have, 
in  like  cases,  forgotten  what  best  became  them. 

His  downcast  look  and  timid  air  immediately  betrayed  his to  the 

whole  company ;  and  when  he  was  addressed,  he  was  so  agitated  that  ho 
could  not  utter  a  word  in  reply.  « 

"  Our  author,  anxious  for  his  fame  to-night. 

And in  his  first  attempt  to  write. 

Lies  cautiously  obscure." 

"  Your  temper  is  too , 

•  Too  much  inclined  to  contemplation." 


Alone — Onli/. 

These  two  words,  when  used  as  adverbs,  are  to  be  distin- 
guished as  follows  : 

Onli/  excludes  other  things  or  persons  from  our  consideration. 
Alone  signifies,  of  itself,  of  its  own  power.  Thus  :  "  He  only 
could  do  it,"  means  that  no  other  but  himself  could  do  it.  "  He 
alone  could  do  it,"  signifies  that  he,  without  the  assistance  of 
others,  could  do  it. 

[Const. leave  those  woes  alone,  which  I  alone 

Am  bound  to  under-bear.  King  John^  iii.  1 

Buck.  His  noble  friends,  and  fellows,  whom  to  leave 
Is  only  bitter  to  him,  only  dying.  Henry  Vlll.y  ii.  1. 

Mortals,  that  would  follow  me, 

Love  Virtue  ;  she  alone  is  free  : 

She  can  teach  ye  how  to  climb 

Higher  than  the  sphery  chime  ; 

Or,  if  Virtue  feeble  were, 

Heaven  itself  would  stoop  to  her.  Comusj  1019 

His  mighty  champion,  strong  above  compare, 
Whose  drink  was  only  from  the  liquid  brook. 

S.  A.y  557 

0  be  wiser,  Thou  ! 

Instructed  that  true  knowledge  leads  to  love  ; 

True  dignity  abides  with  him  alone 

Who  in  the  silent  hour  of  inward  thought 

Can  still  suspect,  and  still  revere  himself 

In  lowliness  of  heart.  Wohdswohth.    *  Early  Potnw  * 


OJJ    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  335 

A  violet  by  a  mossy  stone 

Half  hidden  from  the  eye  ! 
Fair  as  a  star,  when  only  one 

Is  shining  in  the  sky.  *  Poems  on  the  Affections.''] 

Exercise, 

He ,  of  all  their  number,  had  sufficient  resolution  to  declare  him- 

Belf  ready  to  proceed  immediately  upon  this  expedition. 

When  we  heard  what  was  proposed  by  the  opposite  party,  all  our  friends 
exclaimed  loudly  against  the  proposition,  and  declared  that  the  last  argu- 
ment   was  sufficient  to  shew  the  weakness  of  their  cause. 

one   more  circumstance  remains  to  be  mentioned,  which  will 

shew  most  clearly  what  were  the  intentions  of  this  designing  man, 
and  how  much  we  may  congratulate  ourselves  upon  having  escaped  from 
his  clutches. 

This  circumstance is  sufficient  to  prove  the  utter  worthlessness  of 

the  criticism ;  and  shews  us  how  careful  we  should  be  not  to  admit  the 
theories  of  enthusiasts  as  sound  evidence. 

I  shall  speak  of    facts,   without   making  any  comment  upon 

them  ;  and  shall  leave  you  to  draw  your  own  conclusions  on  this  extraordi- 
nary affair. 

On  mentioning  the  fact,  and  questioniug  them  as  to  their  knowledge  of 

it,  they  all  denied  it  excepting  one ,  on  whose  countenance  I  could 

trace  evident  signs  of  conscious  guilt. 

"  Homely  but  wholesome  roots 
My  daily  food,  and  water  from  the  nearest  spring 

My drink." 

"  Here  we  stand , 

As  in  our  form  distinct,  preeminent." 


Almost — Nearly. 
That  which  is  begun  and  approaches  its  completion  is  aU 
most  done  ;  that  which  is  on  the  point  of  being  begun  is 
nearly  begun.  A  man  is  almost  killed  who  receives  so 
severe  an  injury  that  his  life  is  despaired  of;  a  man  is  nearly 
killed  who  narrowly  escapes  an  injury  which  i»  sure  to  cause 
his  death.  It  is  almost  twelve  o'clock  when  the  greater  part 
of  the  twelfth  hour  has  elapsed ;  it  is  nearly  twelve  o'clock 
when  it  is  just  on  the  point  of  striking  twelve.  The  idea  con- 
tained in  almost  is  incompleteness  ;  the  idea  contained  in 
nearly  is  imminent  action.  Nearly  regards  the  beginning,  and 
almost  J  the  end  of  an  act. 

28 


326  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

iChor. the  fixed  sentinels  almost  receive 

The  secret  whispers  of  each  other's  watch.     Henry  V.,  iv.  Chons* 
Since  light  so  necessary  is  to  life 
And  almost  life  itself,  if  it  be  true 
That  light  is  in  the  soul, 

She  all  in  every  part S.  A.y  91. 

How  beautiful  is  holiriess  !— what  wonder  if  the  thought 
Almost  as  vivid  as  a  dream,  produced  a  dream  at  night. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Potfs  Dream.*} 

Exercise, 

I  have finished  writing  my  letters ;  as  soon  as  I  have  finished 

them,  I  shall  be  happy  to  accompany  you  to  your  friend's  house. 

On  their  return  from  India,  the  vessel  in  which  they  had  embarked 
encountered  several  severe  storms,  and  on  cue  occasion  she  ■■      ■     foundered* 

I  had reached  the  end  of   my  journey,  when,  driving   through  a 

dark  lane,  I  heard  voices  as  of  men  conversing  together,  and  who  seemed  to 
be  walking  in  a  direction  towards  me. 

The  night  was  so  dark,  that  I  could  not  see  a  yard  before  me,  and  I  had 
■■  driven  over  him  before  I  even  caught  a  glimpse  of  his  figure. 

The  two  rivals  had met  each  other  ;  for  the  one  had  not  left  my 

lodgings  five  minutes  before  the  other  arrived. 

He  was  so  excited  on  the  receipt  of  this  news,  that  he  was out  of 

his  wits  with  joy. 

The  sailor  was  so  weak  when  taken  out  of  the  water,  that  he faint- 
ed from  exhaustion. 


Also-^Likewise —  Too^ 
Also  means  as-well-as ;  likewise  means  in  a  similar  manner ; 
too  means  in  addition.  Likewise  is  one  of  those  words  which 
are  fast  disappearing  from  our  language.  It  is  seldom  used 
in  written  language,  and  still  seldomer  heard  in  conversation. 
The  strict  distinction  between  also  and  likewise  is,  that  also 
classes  together  things  or  qualities,  whilst  likewise  couples 
actions  or  states  of  being.  Thus  Milton — "  In  Sion  also  not 
unsung,"  i.  e.  as  well  as  in  other  places.  He  did  it  likewise^ 
i,  e,  in.  the  same  manner  as  others.  He  did  it  too,  would 
mean,  "  he  did  it  in  addition  to  others  ;"  also  is  now  generally 
used  for  likewise,  but  not  always  correctly. 

iFaU. not  in  words  only,  but  in  words  also. 

1  Henry  IV.,  ii.  4. 
Rom.  I  bear  no  hatred,  blessed  man ;  for,  lo, 
My  Intercession  likewise  steads  my  foe.  Rom.  and  Jul.,  li 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES.  327 

Jul.  Some  say,  the  lark  and  loathed  toad  change  eyes, 
O,  now  I  would  they  had  changed  voices  too  ! 

td.j  iii.  5. 
For  God  is  also  in  sleep  ;  and  dreams  advise 
Wliich  he  hath  sent  propitious,  some  great  good 
Presaging P.  L.,  xii.  611. 

That  Cross  belike  he  also  raised  as  a  standard  for  the  true 
Ajid  faithful  service  of  his  heart  in  the  worst  that  might  ensue 
Of  hardships  and  distressful  fear,  amid  the  houseless  waste 
Where  he,  in  his  poor  self  so  weak,  by  Providence  was  placed. 

Wordsworth.    *  The  Norman  BoyJ 

Have  I  not  seen— ye  likewise  may  have  seen — 

Son,  husband,  brothers — ^brothers  side  by  side, 

And  son  and  father  also  side  by  side 

Rise  from  that  posture '  The  Excursion^^  11. 

The  smoothest  seas  will  sometimes  prove 

To  the  confiding  Bark,  untrue  ; 
And,  if  she  trust  the  stars  above, 

They  can  prove  treacherous  too  *  Inscriptions.*} 

Exercise, 

"  His  chamber bears  evidence  of  his  various  avocations ;  there 

we  half-copied  sheets  of  music,  designs  for  needle-work,  sketches  of  land- 
scapes indifferently  executed,  &c." 

"  All  the  duties  of  a  daughter,  a  sister,  a  wife,  and  a  mother  may  be  well 
performed,  though  a  lady  should  not  be  the  finest  woman  at  an  opera* 

They  are consistent  with  a  moderate  share  of  wit,  a  plain  dress,  and 

a  modest  air." 

"  Let  us  only  think  for  a  little  of  that  reproach  of  modern  times,  that 
gulf  of  time  and  fortune,  the  passion  for  gaming,  which  is  so  often  the 

refuge  of  the  idle  sons  of  pleasure,  and  often the  last  resource  of  the 

ruined." 

*'  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them :  I will  ask  you  one 

thing,  which  if  ye  tell  me,  I  in  like  wise  will  tell  you  by  what  authority  I 
do  these  things." 

"  In  these  two,  no  doubt,  are  contained  the  causes  of  the  great  Deluge,  as 

according  to  Moses,  so according  to  necessity  ;  for  our  world  affords 

no  other  treasures  of  water." 

On  this  account his  style  is  highly  exceptionable. 

"  But  as  some  hands  applaud,  a  venal  few  ! 

Rather  than  sleep,  why  John  applauds  it .' 

**  Your  brother must  die  ; 

Consent  you,  Lepidus  1" 


328  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 


At  last — at  length. 
What  is  done  at  last  is  brought  about  notwithstanding  all 
the  accidents  or  difficulties  which  may  have  retarded  its  ac- 
complishment ;  what  is  done  at  length  is  done  after  a  long 
continuance  of  time.  In  the  former  expression,  obstacles  or 
obstructions  are  the  causes  of  delay  ;  in  the  latter,  the  nature 
of  the  thing  to  be  done,  or  the  quantity  of  labour  expended 
upon  it,  causes  it  to  occupy  a  long  space  of  time.  He  who 
has  had  many  difficulties  to  encounter  accomplishes  his  ends 
at  last ;  what  takes  a  long  time  to  do  is  done  at  length. 

iGrif.  At  last,  with  easy  roads,  he  came  to  Leicester, 
Lodged  in  the  abbey Henri/  VIII. ^  iv.  2. 

Wol.  my  high-blown  pride 

At  length  broke  under  me Id..,  iii.  2. 

And  may  at  last  my  weary  age 

Find  out  the  peaceful  hermitage.       Milton.    *  II  Pens.* 

till  the  moon 

Rising  in  clouded  majesty,  at  length 

Apparent  queen,  unveiled  her  peerless  light 

And  o'er  the  dark  her  silver  mantle  threw.    P.  L.,  iv.  607.] 

Exercise. 

By  means  of   working  day  and  night  for  many  weeks,  the  task  was 
•  completed,  and  presented  in  time  for  the  approbation  of  the  judges. 


The  bridge,  which  had  occupied  many  years  in  its  construction,  was 
opened  with  the  usual  forms  and  ceremonies. 

after  a  long  interval  of  anxious  suspense,  we  received  news  that 

the  vessel  had  been  seen  off  the  coast,  and  was  expected  to  arrive  in  port  in 
a  few  days. 

" !"  exclaimed  my  friend,  " I  see  you  once  more,  and  after 

all  your  wanderings  and  dangers  shall  again  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  your  so- 
ciety and  conversation !" 

,  after  a  siege  of  ten  years,  the  city  of  Troy  was  taken  and  burnt 

to  the  ground,  and  its  inhabitants  carried  away  into  slavery. 

After  many  fruitless  attempts,  in  which  he  experienced  much  vexa- 
tion and  disappomtment,  he  succeeded  in  bringing  his  invention  to 

perfection. 

*'  A  neighbouring  king  had  made  war  upon  this  female  republic  sev- 
eral years  with  great  success,  and overthrew  them  in  a  very  great 

battle." 

" being  satisfied  that  they  had  nothing  to  fear,  they  brought  out 

all  their  corn  every  day." 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  329 


Bettoeen — Betwixt, 
The  word  betwixt  has  become  almost  obsolete  in  colloquial 
language,  where  it  has  given  place  to  hetween.  As  long,  how- 
ever, as  it  is  used  in  writing,  the  distinction  which  it  is  un- 
doubtedly entitled  to  should  be  maintained.  Betwixt  connects 
two  things  that  are  at  a  distance  from  each  other  ;  hetween, 
joins  two  objects  that  would  be  contiguous  but  for  what 
separates  them.  What  fills  up  the  whole  intervening  space, 
is  between  two  objects  ;  what  is  placed  at  an  equal  distance 
from  each  of  two  objects,  and  yet  does  not  touch  either  of 
them,  is  betwixt  them. 

"  Hard  by,  a  cottage  chimney  smokes, 
From  betwixt  two  aged  oaks." 

Milton,  L' Allegro, 

The  number  seven  comes  between  six  and  eight ;  the  num- 
ber four  is  betwixt  one  and  seven. 

iBru.  Between  the  acting  of  a  dreadful  thing 
And  the  first  motion,  all  the  interim  is 
Like  a  phantasma,  or  a  hideous  dream.  Jul.  CcEsar,  ii.  1. 

Gent.  I  cannot,  'twixt  the  heaven  and  the  main, 
Descry  a  sail.  Othelloy  li.  1 

the  swan,  with  arched  neck 

Between  her  white  wings  mantling  proudly,  rows 

Her  state  with  oary  feet P.  Zr.,  vii.  439 

when  Argo  passed 

Through  Bosporus  betwixt  the  justling  rocks. 

Id.,  ii.  1018. 
Behold !  the  mantling  spirit  of  reserve 
Fashions  his  neck  into  a  goodly  curve  ; 
An  arch  thrown  back  between  luxuriant  boughs 
To  which,  on  some  unruffled  morning,  clings 
A  flaky  weight  of  winter's  purest  snows  !    Wordsworth.    *  Dion,^ 

Self-stationed  here 

Upon  these  savage  confines,  we  have  seen  you 
Stand  like  an  isthmus  'twixt  two  stormy  seas 
That  oft  have  checked  their  fury  at  your  bidding. 

'  The  Bordcrers.^2 

Exercise. 

"  Friendship  requires  that  it  be two  at  least ;  and  there  can  be  no 

friendship  where  there  are  not  two  friends." 

"  Hovering  on  wing  under  the  cope  of  hell, 
' upper,  nether,  and  surroimding  fires." 

28* 


330  PRACTICAL    EXERCISES 

The  animosity  which  had  been  long  suppressed  with  difficulty  on  both  sides, 

now  burst  forth,  and  war  was  solemnly  declared the  two  nations. 

"  Methinks,  like  two  black  storms  on  either  hand, 
Our  Spanish  army  and  your  Indian  stand, 

This  only  place the  clouds  is  clear." 

About  this  time  the    animosity  Octavian  and  Antony  became 

violent,  and  each  suspected  the  other,  perhaps  not  unjustly,  of  attempts  at 
assassination. 

Children    quickly    distinguish what    is    required  of    them   and 

what  is  not. 


Further — Farther. 
The  positive  degree  of  the  first  of  these  words  is  forth, 
which  is  compared  thus  : — forth  ;  further  ;  furthest.  The 
second  word  is  compared  thus :  far ;  farther ;  farthest. 
Further,  then,  means  more  in  advance  ;  farther,  at  a  greater 
distance.  When  we  are  further  on  our  journey,  we  are 
farther  from  the  starting  place.  In  abstract  language,  the 
same  distinction  should  be  maintained.  One  boy  may  be 
much  further  (in  his  studies)  than  another.  After  many  trials, 
we  may  be  farther  than  ever  from  success. 

iJul.  'Tis  almost  morning,  I  would  have  thee  gone  ; 
And  yet  no  further  than  a  wanton's  bird  ; 
Who  lets  it  hop  a  little  from  her  hand, 
Like  a  poor  prisoner  in  his  twisted  gyves, 
And  with  a  silk  thread  plucks  it  back  again. 
So  loving  jealous  of  its  liberty.  Rom.  and  Jul.,  ii.  2 

Wol.  I  have  no  farther  gone  in  this,  than  by 
A  single  voice.  -   —  Henry  VIII.,  i.  2. 

A  little  onward  lend  thy  guiding  hand 
To  these  dark  steps,  a  little  further  on.  S.  A.,  2 

They  followed  from  the  snowy  bank 

Those  footmarks,  one  by  one, 
Into  the  middle  of  the  plank. 
And  further  there  were  none. 

Wordsworth.    '  Lucy  Gray.* 

Though  to  give  timely  warning,  and  deter 
[s  one  great  aim  of  penalty,  extend 
Thy  mental  vision  further  and  ascend 
Far  higher,  else  full  surely  shalt  thou  err 

'  On  Punishment  of  Death.* 
The  Youth,  who  daily  farther  from  the  east 
Must  travel,  still  is  Nature's  Priest, 

And  by  the  vision  splendid 

Is  on  his  way  attended  ; 
At  length  the  Man  perceives  it  die  away. 
And  fade  into  the  common  light  of  day. 

•  Intimations  of  Immortality,*} 


ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES.  331 

Exercise. 

It  may  be  remarked, ,  that  all  the  knowledge  we  possess  on  any 

subject  is,  in  reality,  abused,  whenever  we  employ  it  for  any  other 
purpose  than  to  improve  ourselves  in  virtue,  or  to  alleviate  the  distresses  of 
others. 

He  had  strayed  many  miles from  home  than  he  had  ever  done 

before ;  the  night  was  gathering  in,  and  looked  black  and  stormy,  and  he 
began  to  speculate  upon  the  not  very  pleasing  probability  of  being  obliged  to 
spend  the  night  in  one  of  the  forest  trees. 

The  advocate,  after  speaking  with  great  eloquence  in  his  defence,  al- 
leged    ,  that    the    extreme    youth  and    inexperience   of   his  client 

should  certainly  be  admitted,  in  this  case,  as  powerfully  extenuating  cir- 
3umstances. 

I  had  not  proceeded  much ,  when  a  troop  of  urchins,  vociferating 

with  all  their  might,  burst  from  the  door  of  one  of  the  village  cottages, 
and  immediately  spreading  over  a  wide  green,  began,  with  the  greatest  ac 
tivity,  to  engage  in  a  variety  of  sports. 

"  What need  have  we  of  witnesses  ?" 


Nevertheless — Notwithstanding. 

Nevertheless  excludes  subtraction  ;  notwithstanding  excludes 
opposition.  "  He  did  his  duty  nevertheless,"  signifies  that 
circumstances  did  not  make  him  do  less  of  his  duty,  or  did 
not  diminish  the  activity  with  which  he  performed  it.  "  He 
did  his  duty  notwithstanding,"  means  that  opposing  circum- 
stances had  not  the  effect  of  preventing  him  from  doing  his 
duty.  Nevertheless  is  for  "  not  the  less,"  or  nathless,  as 
Milton  uses  it ;  notwithstanding  signifies  "  nothing  opposing." 
Notwithstanding  is  often  used  as  a  preposition :  as  in  the 
phrase  "  notwithstanding  my  exertions" — nevertheless  is  never 
so  used.  Nevertheless  is  more  frequently  used  with  a  verb  ; 
notwithstanding,  with  a  noun. 

[ nevertheless 

Restored  by  thee,  vile  as  1  am,  to  place 

Of  new  acceptance P.  L.,  x.  970. 

Nathless  he  so  endured,  till  on  the  beach 

Of  that  inflamed  sea  he  stood Ji.,  i.  299. 

They,  notwithstanding,  had  much  love  to  spare, 
And  it  all  went  into  each  other's  hearts. 

Wordsworth.    •  The  Broth«r$J2 


332  PRACTICAL  EXERCISES 

Exercise. 
•  all  the  opposition  of  the  nobles,  Tiberius  Gracchus  had  sufficient 


influence  to  procure  the  passing  of  the  Agrarian  Law. 

Though  opposed  by  the  whole  body  of  the  Roman  aristocracy,  Gracchus 

persisted in  carrying  out  his  measures  to  secure  an  improved  condi^ 

lion  to  the  poorer  classes  of  Rome. 

*'  Many  of  the  men  were  gone  ashore,  and  our  ships  ready  to  depart ; 

the  admiral,  with  such  ships  only  as  could  be  put  in  readiness,  set 

forth  towards  them." 

all  the  losses  he  has  sustained  from  unfortunate  speculations,  and 

from  over-confidence  in  the  unworthy,  he  is  still  so  rich,  that  if  he 
chose,  he  could  retire  from  business,  and  live  in  the  greatest  luxury  on  his 
property. 

This  sudden  change  of  fortune  had  no  apparent  effect  upon  his  mind 
for  though  he  was  unexpectedly  put  in  possession  of  immense  wealth,  he 

was as  attentive  to  his  duties  and  as  industrious  in  his  habits  as 

before. 


Here — hither.  Where — whither.  There — thither. 
The  proper  distinction  between  where  (in  what  place),  and 
whither  (to  what  place),  is  not  always  maintained  ;  indeed,  a 
strong  tendency  exists  to  banish  the  latter  word  from  our 
language  altogether.  These  adverbs,  with  their  cognates 
here — hither,  and  there — thither,  have  become  so  confounded 
as  to  make  a  distinction  between  them  almost  hopeless.  It  is 
very  common  to  hear,  "  Where  are  you  going  ?  Come  here.^ 
These  sentences  strictly  mean,  "  In  what  place  are  you 
going  ?"  "  Come  in  this  place  ;"  which  are  manifest  ab- 
surdities. Here,  there,  and  where,  should  be  used  where  rest 
is  implied.  Hither,  thither,  and  whither,  after  verbs  of  motion. 
Thus :  Stay  here.  Come  hither.  Where  do  you  live  ? 
Whither  are  you  going  ?  I  saw  him  there ;  he  proceeded 
thither. 

IConst. here  I  and  sorrow  sit ; 

Here  is  my  throne,  bid  kings  come  bow  to  it.       King  Johriy  ill.  1 

Eli.  Come  hither,  little  kinsman  ;  hark  a  word. 
K.  John.  Corns  hither,  Hubert.  Id.,  iii.  3. 

Cym. Where,  how  lived  you  t 

And  when  came  you  to  serve  our  Roman  captive  ? 
How  parted  with  your  brothers  ?  how  first  met  them  ? 
Why  fled  you  from  the  court  1  and  whither  ?        Cymbeline,  v  5. 
King.  Where  is  Polonius  ? 

Hamlet.  In  heaven  ;  send  thither  to  see  ;  if  your  messenger  find  liim  not  there 
seek  him  i'  the  other  place  yourself.  Hamlet,  iv.  3. 


ON  ENGLISH  SYNONYMES. 


333 


Peace  with  you,  brethren ;  ray  inducement  hither 

Was  not  at  present  here  to  find  my  son, 

By  order  of  the  lords  new  parted  hence 

To  come  and  play  before  them  at  their  feast. 

I  heard  all  as  I  came  ;  the  city  rings 

And  numbers  thither  flock. 


to  descry  the  distant  foe, 

Where  lodged,  or  whither  fled ; 

To  teach  thee  that  God  attributes  to  place 

No  sanctity,  if  none  be  thither  brought 

By  men  who  there  frequent  or  therein  dwell. 

— Come  hither  in  thy  hour  of  strength  : 
Come,  weak  as  is  a  breaking  wave  ! 
Here  stretch  thy  body  at  full  length  ; 
Or  build  thy  house  upon  this  grave. 

Wordsworth.    ^  A  Poefs  Epitaph 


S.  A.,  1445. 


P.  i.,  vi.  531. 


P.  L.y  xi.  837 


-  Fluttering, 


Here  did  it  enter  ;  there,  on  hasty  wing 
Flies  out,  and  passes  on  from  cold  to  cold  ; 
But  whence  it  came  we  know  not,  nor  behold 
Whither  it  goes. 

There  let  me  see  thee  sink  into  a  mood 
Of  gentler  thought,  protracted  till  thine  eye 
Be  calm  as  water  when  the  winds  are  gone, 
And  no  one  can  tell  whither. 


Eccles.  Sonnets.* 


*  To  Lycoris? 


-  the  clouds, 


The  mist,  the  shadows,  light  of  golden  suns, 

Motions  of  moonlight,  all  come  thither— touch, 

And  have  an  answer — thither  come,  and  shape 

A  language  not  unwelcome  to  sick  hearts 

And  idle  spirits  : — there  the  sun  himself. 

At  the  calm  close  of  summer's  longest  day. 

Rests  his  substantial  orb  ;  between  those  heights 

And  on  the  top  of  either  pinnacle. 

More  keenly  than  elsewhere  in  night's  blue  vault. 

Sparkle  the  stars,  as  of  their  station  proud.  *  The  Excursiony^  iL 

Hence  in  a  season  of  calm  weather, 

Though  inland  far  we  be, 
Our  Souls  have  sight  of  that  immortal  sea 

Which  brought  us  hither. 

Can  in  a  moment  travel  thither. 
And  see  the  children  sport  upon  the  shore, 
And  hear  the  mighty  waters  rolling  evermore. 

'  Intimations  of  Immortality  ^1 

Exercise, 

"  O  stream, 
Whose  source  is  inaccessibly  profound, 

do  thy  mysterious  waters  tend  ?'* 

" let  us  tend 

From  off  the  tossing  of  these  fiery  waves, 
— —  rest,  if  any  rest  can  harbour *" 


334 


EXERCISES    ON    ENGLISH    SYNONYMES. 


I  shall  go  to  Brighton  next  week.     Shall  you  be this  summer  ? 

"  That  lord  advanced  to  Winchester, Sir  John  Berkley  brought 

him  two  regiments  more  of  foot." 

I  visited  last  autumn  the  place I  first  had  the  pleasure  of  making 

your  acquaintance. 


"  Who  brought  me  - 


Will  bring  me  hence  ;  no  other  guide  I  seek." 
Pompey  followed  Caesar  into  Thessaly, the  latter  had  already 

taken  his  position  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pharsalus,  and the  hostile 

armies  met  each  other. 

Cleopatra  returned  to    Alexandria,  sne  was   accompanied  by 

Antony. 


-  Nature  first  begins 


Her  farthest  verge." 

**  Gigantic  Pride,  pale  Terror,  gloomy  Care, 

And  mad  Ambition  shall  attend  her 


And- 


•  Phoenix  and  Ulysses  watch  the  prey, 
all  the  wealth  of  Troy  convey." 


The  following  synonymous  words,  to  be  classified  and  ex- 
plained according  to  some  of  the  principles  before  laid  down, 
are  offered  as  a  further  exercise  for  the  student. 


Strife — discord. 
Changeable — inconstant 
To  repeat — to  reiterate. 
Offensive — offending. 
Mercenary — venal. 
Will — testament. 
To  refuse — to  deny. 
Incessant — unceasing. 
Electric — electrical. 
Pleasant — pleasing. 
Cool — dispassionate. 
Confident — confiding. 
Aversion — dislike. 
Disposal — disposition. 
Patient — invalid. 
Doubtful — uncertain. 
Different — unlike. 
Attendant — attending. 


Politic — political. 
In  j  ury — disadvantage. 
Fervour — ardour. 
Warmth — heat. 
Abundant — abounding. 
Deceit — fraud. 
Heroic — h  eroic  al. 
Faithless — unfaithful. 
Dramatic — dramatical. 
Worthless — unworthy. 
Coincident — coinciding. 
To  weaken — to  invalidate. 
Comic — comical 
To  flow — to  gush. 
Intent — intense. 
Fantastic — fantastical.   "^ 
Signification — meaning. 
Always — ever. 


INDEX    OF    SYNONYMES. 


(classified.) 


SECTION    I. 

Generic — Specific. 


PAGK. 

Adjective— epithet 20 

Answer — reply 21 

Bravery— courage 23 

Bonds— fetters 24 

Booty — prey 25 

Behaviour— conduct 26 

Custom— habit 27 

Comparison— analogy 28 

Duty— obligation 29 

Fear- terror 30 

Fancy— imagination 31 

Haste— hurry 32 

List— catalogue 33 

Manners — address 34 

Negligence— neglect  35 

News— tidings   36 

Occasion— opportunity 37 

Picture— painting  38 

Pillar— column 39 

Populace— mob  40 

Posture— attitude  41 

Praise— applause 42 

Robber— thief 43 

Safety— security 44 

Shai)e— fonn 45 

Talent— genius 46 

Temper— humour 47 

Temple— church  48 

Vestige— trace  50 

Vice — sin  51 

Way— road  52 

Word— term 53 


To  augur- to  forebode 54 

Bestow— confer  55 

Bring — fetch 56 

Bury— inter 57 

Clothe— dress  59 

Calculate— reckon 60 


Do — ^make 61 

Divide — separate 62 

Doubt — question  63 

Expect— hope  64 

Finish— conclude 65 

Give— grant 66 

Gain— win  67 

Have — possess 69 

Help — assist   70 

Leave— quit 71 

Punish— chastise 72 

Put— place 73 

Reprove— rebuke 74 

Ridicule— deride 75 

Try— attempt  76 

Worsliip — adore 77 


Ancient— antique  79 

Clear — distinct  80 

Entire— complete  81 

Exterior— external  82 

Extravagant— profuse 83 

Frail— brittle 84 

Great — big 85 

Heavenly— celestial 86 

High— tall 87 

Laudable— praiseworthy  89 

Lucky — fortunate  89 

Mute— dumb 91 

New— novel 92 

Particular — peculiar 93 

Prevalent— prevailing 94 

Strong— robust 95 

Translucent— transparent  96 

Weak— infirm 97 

Weighty— heavy 98 

Whole— entire  99 

On— upon 100 


336 


CLASSIFIED    INDEX. 


SECTION  II. 

Active — Passive. 


PAGE 

Ability— capacity  103 

Aversion— antipathy  104 

Approval— approbation 105 

Burden— load  106 

Chief— head 107 

Consent — assent 108 

Cultivation — culture 109 

Deity— divinity   110 

Example — instance Ill 

Facility— ease 112 

Faith— belief 113 

Falsehood— falsity 114 

Force— strength 115 

Forgetfulness— oblivion 116 

Grief— affliction 117 

Hatred— odium  Ii8 

Inclination — disposition 119 

Intellect— understanding 120 

Pretence— pretext 122 

Proposal — proposition 122 

Rashness— temerity 123 

Reason— cause 124 

Recovery— restoration 125 

Reformation— reform 126 

Repentance— contrition 127 

Smell— odour 128 

Tyranny— oppression 129 

Unity— union   131 

Utility— usefulness  132 

Value— worth 132 

Veracity— truth 133 

To  caution — to  warn 134 

Defend— protect 135 

Eat— feed 136 

Employ — use 137 

Find— meet  with 138 

Found— ground  139 


PAGE 

Furnish— supply 140 

Invent— discover 141 

Keep— retain 142 

Lay— lie 143 

Persevere— persist 144 

Teach— learn  146 

Trust— credit 147 

Waver— fluctuate 148 

Authentic— genuine 149 

Actual— real 150 

Awkward— clumsy 151 

Apt— fit 151 

Contented— satisfied 152 

Eflicacious— effectual 153 

Efficient— eflfective 155 

Expert— experienced : 155 

Fruitful— fertile , 156 

Friendly— amicable  1 57 

Healthy — wholesome 158 

Impracticable— impossible 1 59 

Intolerable— insufferable 160 

Likely— probable 161 

Lovely- amiable 162 

Malicious— malignant 163 

Mercantile — commercial  164 

Owing— due 165 

Peaceable — peaceful 166 

Poetic— poetical 167 

Reasonable — rational 168 

Sociable— social 168 

Salutary— salubrious  170 

Sufficient — enough 171 

Sure— certain  172 

Thankful— grateful 173 

Vacant— empty ,,.... 174 

Warlike— martial 175 

Unavoidable— inevitable 176 


SECTION  IIL 
Intensity. 


Act— action » 178 

Anguish — agony  179 

Artisan— artist  180 

Compunction— remorse 181 

Diligence— industry  182 

Discernment — penetration 183 

Intention— purpose  184 

Moment — instant 185 

Need— necessity 186 

Obstruction— obstacle  187 

Pertinacity— obstinacy 188 

Persuasion— conviction 189 

Pleasure— happiness 190 

Plenty— abundance  191 

Riot— tumult 192 


Servant— slave  193 

Slander — calumny  194 

Temperance— abstinence 195 

Vicinity— neighbourhood 196 

Wood— forest 197 


To  alter— to  change 198 

Be— exist 199 

Confuse — confound 200 

Deprive — bereave  202 

Disperse — dispel 203 

Enlarge— increase 204 

Estimate— esteem 205 

Excite— incite , 206 


CLASSIFIED    INDEX. 


337 


PAGE. 

Exert— exercise  207 

Forgive— ijardon  208 

Grow— become 209 

Hate— detest 210 

Hear- listen  211 

Lament— deplore 213 

Overcome— conquer 214 

Perceive— discern 215 

Raise— lift  216 

Receive— accept  217 

Remark — observe  219 

Remember— recollect   220 

Reveal — divulge 221 

Satisfy— satiate 222 

See— look  223 

Should— ought  224 

Slake— quench 225 

Surprise— astonish 226 

Understand— comprehend  227 

Adjacent— contiguous 229 


PAGE. 

Contemptible— despicable 230 

Covetous — avaricious 231 

Different— various 232 

Evident— obvious 233 

Forsaken — forlorn 234 

General — universal 235 

Idle— indolent 236 

Miserable— wretched 237 

Modern— recent 238 

Scarce — rare 239 

Silent— taciturn  240 

Wonderful— marvellous  241 

Below — beneath 242 

Between— among  243 

By— with   244 

Frequently — often 246 

Immediately — instantly  E47 

Middle— midst  248 

While— whilst 249 


SECTION  IV. 

Positive — Negative, 


Despair— hopelessness  250 

Disability— inability 252 

Disbelief— unbelief 252 

Freedom— liberty 253 

Lie— untruth 254 


To  allow— to  permit 256 


Assuage— mitigate  257 

Avoid— shun 258 

Prevent— hinder 259 


Barbarous — inhuman 261 

Defective— faulty 262 

Excessive — immoderate  263 


SECTION  V. 

Miscellaneous. 


Accent — emphasis 265 

Address— direction 266 

Arms— weapons 267 

Beast— brute 268 

Consequence— result  269 

Contest— conflict 270 

Discretion— prudence 271 

Endurance—duration 272 

Era— epoch 273 

Fault- mistake 274 

Idea— notion  275 

Method— mode 276 

Observance — observation 277 

Pride- vanity 278 

Subsidy— tribute 280 

To  abbreviate— to  abridgp 281 

Advance — proceed 282 

Appear— seem  283 

Articulate— pronounce 284 

Attribute— impute  285 

29 


Avenge— revenge 286 

Compare  to— compare  with 287 

Compare— contrast 289 

Conciliate— reconcile 290 

Confess— acknowledge 291 

Confute— refute  292 

Conjecture — guess 293 

Contemplate— meditate   294 

Copy— imitate 295 

Decrease — diminish  296 

Dissert — discuss 297 

Equivocate— prevaricate 298 

Foretel— predict 299 

Go  back— return  300 

Prevail  with— prevail  upon 301 

Repeal— revoke   302 

Shall— will 303 

Wake — waken  305 


All— every— each 307 

Any— some  309 


358 


CLASSIFIED    INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Common—ordinary 310 

Enormous — immense 311 

Ferocious— savage   312 

Grecian— Greek 313 

Handsome— pretty  314 

Impertinent— insolent  315 

Ingenious— ingenuous  316 

Irksome — tedious 317 

Liable— subject  318 

Little— small 319 

Ludicrous— ridicwious 321 

Mature-  rii)e 322 

Modest-  bashful      323 


PAOS 

Alone— only 324 

Almost— nearly  325 

Also— likewise— too 326 

At  last— at  length  328 

Between— betwixt 329 

Farther— further  330 

Nevertheless— notwithstanding  ...  331 

Here— hither,  where— whither,    ?   «~, 

there— thither S      ** 


Additional  examples  or  exercise  .  334 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


PAGE. 

A 

Abbreviate— abridge  281 

Ability— capacity  103 

Abounding— abundant. 

Abridge— abbreviate  281 

Abstinence- temperance 195 

Abundance— plenty 191 

Accent— emphasis 265 

Accept — receive 217 

Acknowledge— confess 291 

Act— action 178 

Action — act 178 

Actual— real 150 

Address— manners  34 

Address— direction 266 

Adjacent — contiguous 229 

Adjective— epithet 20 

Adore— worship 77 

A-dvance— proceed 282 

Affliction^grief 117 

Agony— anguish  179 

All— every— each  307 

Allow— permit 256 

Almost— nearly 325 

Alone — only  324 

Also— likewise— too 326 

Alter— change 198 

Amiable— lovely  ..^ 162 

Amicable — friendly  1 57 

Among— between 243 

Analogy — comparison 28 

Ancient— antique  79 

Anguish— agony  179 

Answer — reply 21 

Antipathy — aversion 104 

Antique— ancient 79 

Any — some  308 

Appear— seem  283 

Applause— praise 42 

Approbation— approval 105 

Approval— approhation 105 

Apt— fit M. 151 

Arms — weaiwns 267 

Artisan— artist 180 

Articulate— pronounce 284 

Artist— artisan 180 

Assuage— mitigate  257 

Assent — consent 108 


PAGE. 

Assist — help   70 

Astonish— surprise  226 

Attempt — try 76 

At  last— at  length 328 

At  length— at  last  328 

Attendant— attending. 

Attitude— i>osture  41 

Attribute — impute   285 

Augur— forebode 54 

Authentic — genuine 149 

Avaricious— covetous 231 

Avenge— revenge  286 

Aversion — antipathy 104 

Avoid— shun 258 

Awkward— clumsy 151 

B 

Barbarous— inhuman 261 

Bashful— modest  323 

Be— exist 199 

Beast— brute  268 

Become— grow 209 

Behaviour — conduct 26 

Belief— faith  113 

Below — beneath 242 

Beneath— below 242 

Bereave— deprive 202 

Bestow— confer  55 

Between— betwixt 329 

Between — among  243 

Betwixt— between 329 

Big— great  85 

Bonds— fetters 24 

Booty— prey 25 

Bravery — courage 23 

Bring— fetch 56 

Brittle— frail 84 

Brute-^beast 268 

Burden— load  106 

Bury — inter 57 

By— with   244 

C 

Calculate— reckon 60 

Calumny— slander  194 


340 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Capacity—ability 103 

Catalogue — list 33 

Cause— reason  124 

Caution— warn 134 

Celestial— heavenly 86 

Certain— sure  172 

Change— alter 198 

Chastise — punish 72 

Chief-head 107 

Church— temple 48 

Clear— distinct 80 

Clothe— dress  59 

Clumsy — awkward 151 

Column- pillar 39 

Commercial— mercantile 164 

Common— ordinary 310 

Compare — contrast 289 

Compare  to— compare  with 287 

Comparison— analogy  28 

Complete— entire 81 

Comprehend— understand 227 

Compunction — remorse 181 

Conciliate— reconcile 290 

Conclude — finish  65 

Conduct— behaviour 26 

Confer — bestow  55 

Confess— acknowledge 291 

Conflict— contest 270 

Confound— confuse 200 

Confuse — confound 200 

Confute— refute  292 

Conjecture— guess 293 

Conquer— overcome  214 

Consent— assent 108 

Consequence— result  269 

Contemplate— meditate   294 

Contemptible — despicable 230 

Contented— satisfied 152 

Contest— conflict  270 

Contiguous — adjacent  229 

Contrast— compare 289 

CoHtrit  ion— repentance 127 

Copy— imitate 295 

Courage— bravery 23 

Covetous— avaricious 231 

Conviction — persuasion 189 

Credit— trust 147 

Cultivation— culture 109 

Culture— cultivation 109 

Custom— habit 27 

D 

Decrease-Diminish 296 

Defective— faulty 262 

Defend— jorotect 135 

Deity— dn'inity   110 

Deplore— lan^ent ,...      213 

Deprive— bereave 202 

Deride— ridicule 75 

Despair— Hopelessness 250 

Despicable— contemptible 230 

Detest— hate 210 

Different— various 232 


PAOl. 

Diligence— industry 182 

Diminish — decrease  296 

Direction— address 266 

Disability— inability 252 

DisbeUet— unbehef 252 

Discern — perceive 215 

Discernment — penetration 183 

Discover— invent 141 

Discretion— prudence 271 

Discuss— dissert 297 

Dispel — disperse 203 

Disperse — dispel 203 

Disposition— inclination  119 

Dissert — discuss 297 

Distinct- clear 80 

Divide — separate 62 

Divinity — deity 110 

Divulge — reveal 221 

Do — make 61 

Doubt — question 63 

Dress— clothe  59 

Due— owing 165 

Dumb— mute  91 

Duration— endurance 272 

Duty— obligation 29 


E 

Each— every— all 307 

Ease— facility 112 

Eat— feed 136 

Effective— efficient 155 

Effectual— efficacious  153 

Efficacious — effectual 153 

Efficient— effective 155 

Electric— electrical. 

Emphasis— accent 265 

Empty— vacant  174 

Endurance— duration 272 

Enlarge— increase 204 

Enormous— immense 311 

Enough — sufficient 171 

Entire— complete 81 

Entire — whole •. 99 

Epithet — adjective   20 

Epoch— era 273 

Equivocate— prevaricate 298 

Era — epoch  273 

Esteem — estimate 205 

Estimate— esteem 205 

Ever — always. 

Every— all— each 307 

Evident— obvious 233 

Example— instance Ill 

Excessive— immoderate  263 

Excite— incite  . . .  .^ 206 

Exercise— exert  .A 207 

Exert— exercise  .  ^ 207 

Exist— be  199 

Expect— hope 64 

Experienced— expert 155 

Expert — experienced  155 

Exterior— external 88 


% 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


341 


PAGE. 

External— exterior 82 

Extravagant— profuse  83 


Facility— ease 112 

Faitli— belief 113 

Faithful— unfaithful. 

Falsehood— falsity 114 

Falsity— falsehood 114 

Fancy— imagination 31 

Farther— further 330 

Fault— mistake 274 

Faulty— defective  262 

Fear— terror 30 

Feed— eat 136 

Ferocious— savage   312 

Fertile- fruitful 156 

Fetch — bring 56 

Fetters— bonds  24 

Find— meet  with 138 

Finish — conclude 65 

Fit— apt 151 

Fluctuate— waver 148 

Force— strength 115 

Forebode— augur 54 

Forest— wood  197 

Foretel— predict 299 

Forgetfulness— oblivion 116 

Forgive— pardon  208 

Forlorn— forsaken 234 

Form— sliape 45 

Forsaken— forlorn  334 

Fortunate— lucky  89 

Found— ground  139 

Frail— brittle -. .  84 

Freedom— liberty 253 

Frequently— often 246 

Friendly— amicable  1 57 

Fruitful— fertile  156 

Furnish — supply 140 

Further— farther 330 


Gain— win  67 

General — universal 235 

Genius— talent 46 

Genuine — authentic 149 

Give— grant 66 

Go  back— return  300 

Grant- give 66 

Giateful— thankful 173 

Great— big 85 

Grecian— Greek •  313 

Grief— affliction 117 

Ground— found 139 

Grow— become 209 

Guess— coryecture 293 

Gusk— flow. 

H 

Habit— custom 27 


Handsome— pretty 314 

Flappiness— pleasure  189 

Haste — hurry  32 

Hate— detest 210 

Hatred — odium  118 

Have— possess 69 

Head— chief 107 

Healthy— wholesome 158 

Hear— listen  211 

Heavenly — celestial  86 

Heavy — weighty 98 

Help— assist    70 

Here— hither 332 

High— taU  87 

Hinder— prevent 259 

Hither— here 332 

Hope— expect 64 

Hopelessness — despair 250 

Humour— temper  47 

Hurry— haste  32 


Idea— notion 275 

Idle— indolent 236 

Imagination — fancy 31 

Immediately — instantly  247 

Immense— enormous 311 

Imitate— copy 295 

Immoderate— excessive 263 

Impertinent— insolent :..  315 

Impossible— impracticable 159 

Impracticable — impossible 1 59 

Impute— attribute 285 

Inability— disability 253 

Incessant — unceasing. 

Incite— excite 206 

Inclination— disposition 119 

Increase— enlarge  204 

Indolent— idle 236 

Industry— diligence 182 

Inevitable— unavoidable 176 

Infirm— weak 97 

Ingenious— ingenuous 316 

Ingenuous— ingenious 316 

Inhuman— barbarous 261 

Injury — disadvantage.  • 

Insolent— impertinent  315 

Instance— example Ill 

Instant — moment 185 

Instantly — immediately  247 

Insufferable- intolerable 160 

Intellect— understanding  120 

Intention— purpose  184 

Inter— bury 57 

Intolerable— insufferable 160 

Invalidate— weaken. 

Invent— discover 14l| 

Irksome— tedious 317 


K 


29* 


Keep— retain 143 


342 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


PAGE. 

L, 

Lament— deplore 213 

Laudable— praiseworthy  89 

Lay— lie  143 

Leave— quit 71 

Learn— teach  146 

Liable— subject  318 

Liberty— freedom  253 

Lie— lay  143 

Lie— untruth 254 

Lift— raise  216 

Likely— probable 161 

Likewise— also— too 326 

Listen— hear 211 

List— catalogue  33 

Little— small 319 

Load— burden 106 

Look— see 223 

Lovely— amiable 162 

Lucky— fortunate  89 

Ludicrous— ridiculous 321 


M 

Make— do 61 

Manners- address 34 

Malicious — malignant 163 

Malignant— malicious 163 

Martial— warlike 175 

Marvellous — wonderful 241 

Mature— ripe 322 

Meet  with— find 138 

Meditate — contemplate 294 

Mercantile — commercial 164 

Method— mode 276 

Middle— midst  248 

Midst— middle  248 

Miserable — wretched 237 

Mistake— fault  274 

Mitigate — assuage 257 

Mob— populace 40 

Mode— method 276 

Modern— recent 238 

Modest— bashful   323 

Moment- instant 185 

Mute—dumb 91 

N 

Nearly— almost  325 

Need— necessity 186 

Necessity— need 186 

Neglect— negligence  35 

Negligence— neglect  35 

Neighbourhood — vicinity 196 

N  ew — novel 92 

News— tidings 36 

Nevertheless— notwithstanding  ...  331 

Nofion— idea 275 

Notwithstanding— nevertheless  ...  331 
Novel— new 92 


Obligation — duty 29 

Oblivion— forgetful  ness 116 

Observance— observation 277 

Observation — observance 277 

Observe— remark 219 

Obstinacy— pertinacity 188 

Obstacle — obstruction  187 

Obstruction— obstacle  187 

Obvious— evident 233 

Occasion — opportunity 37 

Odium— hatred 118 

Odour— smell  128 

Often— frequently 246 

On— upon 100 

Only— alone   324 

Opportunity— occasion   37 

Oppression — tyranny  129 

Ordinary— common  310 

Ought— should  224 

Overcome — conquer 214 

Owing— due < 165 


Painting— picture  38 

Pardon — forgive 208 

Particular— peculiar 93 

Peaceable — peaceful  166 

Peaceful — peaceable  166 

Peculiar— particular 93 

Penetration — discernment 183 

Perceive — discern 215 

Permit— allow 256 

Pers^ere— persist 144 

Persist— persevere 144 

Persuasion— conviction 189 

Pertinacity— obstinacy  188 

Picture— painting  38 

Pillar— column 39 

Place— put 73 

Pleasure— happiness 189 

Plenty— abundance  191 

Poetic— poetical 167  - 

Populace— mob 40 

Possess— have 69 

Posture— attitude 41 

Praiseworthy— laudable  89 

Praise — applause 42 

Predict— foretel 299 

Pretence — pretext 122 

Pretext— pretence 122 

Pretty — handsome 314 

Prevail  with— prevail  upon 301 

Prevailing — prevalent 94 

Prevalent— prevailing  94 

Prevent— hinder 259 

Prey— booty 25 

Prevaricate— equivocate 298 

Pride— vanity 278 

Proceed — advance. 

Profuse — extravagant 83 

Pronounce— articulate 284 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


343 


PAOE. 

,,  Proposal— proposition 122 

i   Proposition— proposal 122 

I   Protect — defend 135 

'   Prudence— discretion 271 

Punish — chastise 72 

Purpose— intention 184 

Put— place 73 


Q 

Quench — slake 225 

Question— doubt  63 

Quit—leave 71 


R 

Raise— lift 216 

Rashness — temerity T 123 

Rare — scarce 239 

Rational— reasonable 168 

Real— actual 150 

Reason— cause 124 

Reasonable— rational 168 

Rebuke— reprove 74 

Receive— accept   217 

Recent— modern 238 

Jlecollect— remember 220 

■Oieconcile— conciliate  290 

Reckon — calculate  60 

Recovery— restoration 125 

Reform — reformation 126 

Reformation— reform 126 

Refuse— deny. 

Refute— confute 292 

Reiterate— repeat. 

Remark— observe  219 

Remember— recollect 220 

Remorse— compunction  181 

Repeal— revoke 302 

Repeat— reiterate. 

Repentance— contrition  127 

Reply— answer 21 

Reprove— rebuke 74 

Restoration — recovery 125 

Result— consequence 269 

Retain — keep  142 

Return — go  back , 300 

Reveal — divulge 221 

Revenge— avenge 286 

Revoke— repeal 302 

Ridicule— deride  75 

Ridiculous— ludicrous  321 

Riot— tumult 192 

Ripe— mature 322 

Road— way  52 

Robber— thief 43 

Robust— stroag 95 

S 
Safety— security 44 


PAGE. 

Salutary— salubrious   170 

Satisfied— contented 152 

Satiate— satisfy 222 

Satisfy— satiate 222 

Savage— ferocious 312 

Scarce— rare 239 

Seijurity — safety 44 

Se/e- look  223 

Sjfeem— appear 283 

Separate— divide 62 

Servant— slave  193 

Shall— will  303 

Sliape— form 45 

Should— ought  224 

Shun— avoid  258 

Silent— taciturn  240 

Sin— vice  51 

Slake— quench 225 

Slander — calumny  194 

Slave— servant  193 

Small— little   319 

Smell— odour   128 

Sociable — social 168 

Social— sociable  168 

Strength— force  115 

Strife — discord. 

Strong— robust  95 

Subject— liable 318 

Subsidy— tribute  280 

Sufficient— enough 171 

Supply— furnish 140 

Sure— certain  172 

Surprise— astonish 226 


T 

Taciturn— silent 240 

Tall— high  87 

Talent— genius 46 

Teach— learn  146 

Tedious— irksome  317 

Temerity — rashness 123 

Temper— humour  47 

Temperance— abstinence 195 

Temple— church  48 

Term— word  53 

Terror— fear 30 

Testament— will. 

Thankful— grateful 173 

Thief— robber 43 

There— thither 332 

Thither— there  332 

Tidings— news  36 

Too— also— likewise 326 

Trace — vestige 50 

Translucent— transparent  96 

Transparent— translucent  96 

Tribute— subsidy 280 

Trust— credit 147 

Truth— veracity 133 

Try- attempt  »  76 

Tumult— riot 192 

Tyranny— oppression l^ 


344 


aE|J.ERAL    IKaXEX. 


PAGE. 

Unavoidable— inevitable 176 

Unbelief— disbelief 252 

Understand — comprehend 227 

Understanding — intellect  120 

Union— unity   131 

Unity— union  131 

Universal — general 235 

Unlike— different. 

Untruth— lie   254 

Upon— on 100 

Use— employ 137 

Usefulness— utility  132 

Utility— usefulness  132 


Vacant— empty  174 

Value— worth 132 

Vanity— pride 278 

Various— different 232 

Veracity— truth 133 

Vestige— trace  50 

Vice— sin  51 

Vicinity — neighbourliood 196 


W 

Wake— waken  305 

Waken — wake 305 

Warlike — martial 175 

Warn — caution 134 

Warmth— heat. 

Waver — fluctuate 148 

Way— road   52 

Weak— infirm 97 

Weapons— arms 267 

Weighty — heavy 98 

Where— whither 332 

While— whilst 249 

Whilst— while 249 

Whithei^where  332 

Wholesome — healthy 158 

Whole— entire 99 

Will— shall 303 

Win— gain 67 

With— by 244 

Wonderlul— marvellous  241 

Wood— forest  197 

Word— term   53 

Worship — adoTS 77 

'Worth— value 132, 

Wretched— miserable  237 


^ 


THE  END. 


BERKELEY  ^^^^^Y, 

rais  BOOK  IS  DU^-^ 

,n  ^o*  not  ref^^^^   BeIX^^S''  DATE 


x33 


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Si? 


%1-^^'^S 


IIBRARYUSB 

JUL  211962 
REC'D  LD 

JUL  211962 


507nr7/29 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


